Three former Sussex county tennis players hope they can help set a British James Blake on the path to fame and glory. Charles Bartlett, Will Edmonds and Sheridan Adams set up an Agency - Play Atlantic - to help players win athletic scholarships at universities in the United States. The ex-Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College boys are keeping their fingers crossed one or two who secure one can emulate American Blake, who emerged from the college circuit in the States to become one of the world's top players.

Bartlett said: "All three of us got scholarships in the States and had a great time and want to put something back. "I was there for almost four years at Cumberland University in Nashville with Will who was there for six."We were all able to develop as players thanks to superb facilities and a competitive college set-up. We also did some coaching. I got to be the assistant coach to the men's team and Will had the same role with the women's. Sheridan also got to play out in Utah and had a great time travelling to places like Hawaii and Las Vegas. "There are a few like James Blake who have gone on. Even if scholars do not make it that far, they can still enjoy their sports and the lifestyle out there."

Play Atlantic claim they would help sort out immigration problems and visas and have a database of over 4,000 American college coaches. Leading Sussex athlete Tim Bayley, who having competed for Iona College in New York is now training in San Fransisco, is one of the agency's representatives. They will be launching the company at BHASVIC's Gap Year fair on May 8th.