COMMON sense dictates that there is likely to be link between a country's proficiency at a sport and the facilities and encouragement available to youngsters to practise it.

Australia, for example, has long been a major Olympic medal winner in all kinds of swimming events.

And it's no accident that almost every tiny community in that country has a full-sized pool and an established coaching system.

Similar analogies could be made about rugby and New Zealand and it is no accident that some countries where children learn to ski as a matter of course perform much better at winter Olympic events.

Tennis is another sport where coaching and constant practice from a young age are essential if high standards are to be achieved.

Because of our weather that means access to indoor as well as outdoor courts is vital and there have been big changes in recent years with privately owned leisure centres and domes like that of Blackburn Northern in Pleckgate Road.

But the opportunity for children with talent to acquire world-class skills should not be governed by their ability to find up to £3.50 an hour in parts of East Lancashire to play the game.

Until we realise that and widen access to superb facilities, we will continue to yearn for British-trained champions to win at Wimbledon.