Three up-and-coming young tennis players from Harpenden have been highlighted as some of the brightest talents in the country after they were included on the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) Aegon FutureStars programme.

The emerging young stars have earned their place on the programme following a successful year on court and will now receive added support from the LTA.

The players on the Aegon FutureStars programme include 15-year-old Emily Arbuthnott who trains at Harpenden LTC and Batchwood Tennis Centre.

Mimi Bland [pictured], 11, trains at Batchwood Tennis Centre and Harpenden LTC while 13-year-old Georgie Walker trains at Batchwood.

The Aegon FutureStars programme recognises and supports some of the best juniors in the country based on the individual player’s talent ID assessment for players aged 13 and under, and rankings for all other age groups.

The talented youngsters have been included as part of the 2013 intake of players and will be part of a group of 486 top juniors from around the country who all receive varying levels of funding and support from the LTA.

Leon Smith, LTA Head of Men’s and Women’s Tennis, said: “We are committed to identifying and supporting our most talented players, and the Aegon FutureStars programme is central to this process for young players who are starting out in the game.

“It’s a long journey for any player hoping to make an impact on the game but we hope that with the right support, these players are given the best possible chance of reaching their full potential.”

British number two Heather Watson added: “The Aegon FutureStars programme identifies the most talented young players in the country and so it’s great that these players have been chosen to join the squad.

“I hope they use this support to help them achieve their dream of playing at the highest level.”

Ian Murray, Head of Sponsorship at Aegon, added: “We’re delighted to continue supporting the LTA with the development of the most talented tennis players in the country through Team Aegon and the Aegon FutureStars programmes.”