MICHAEL Ward is heading overseas to further his tennis education.

The 18-year-old earned a trip to the Nick Bolletieri Tennis Academy in America as the recipient of Lymm Tennis Club’s Presidents Award in 2008.

Ward impressed coaches while based with the academy for a week and has received numerous scholarship offers to play for university teams across America.

“I had a fantastic time hitting with some of the best players at the academy,” said Ward.

“It is not every day that you find yourself hitting on the next court to Maria Sharapova!

“I got some great tennis and played with some fantastic players and received tips from some of the best coaches in the world. Training doesn’t get much better than that.

“I have since had numerous scholarship offers to play for university teams. I am fortunate at the present time to have a choice of teams and locations from all across America.”