Croydon kids have a chance to get on court with legends (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Croydon kids have a chance to get on court with legends

4:45pm Thursday 31st March 2011 in Tennis News

Over 100 kids will descend upon the Esporta Surrey Health & Racquets Club, Croydon, on Sunday to take part in a trial to become a Barclays Ball Kid at The O₂ in November.

They are all aged between 12-16 and dream of walking out on court with the likes of Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the sensational end of season clash of the world’s top eight tennis players in London.

A handful of lucky kids from the regional Barclays Ball Kids trial in Croydon will come one step closer to living out their dream.

With the search already in full swing across the UK to find ball kids for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, local kids attending the Croydon trial will look to secure a place at the final selection trial in London on May 21st.

A talent team of coaches will hand pick the successful kids having judged them on such skills as agility, speed, awareness and concentration.

Then, just 100 talented ball kids will get to meet the legendary three time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker, who will offer his advice on on-court behaviour to the fortunate few who make it through to the London final.

With only 30 places available for the final squad, this is the chance to walk out on court with the world’s most talented players, showcasing their talent under the intense watch of millions of people all over the world.

And this is their chance of getting within touching distance of being there beside them.

Imagine standing on the touchline at the Super Bowl. Put yourself behind the goal at Wembley Stadium.

Or shut your eyes and think of breathing the same air as the number one tennis player in the world.

This is the chance of a lifetime. An offer you’ll never get again. An opportunity to be seen, and not heard, by the elite of the sporting world.

After all, the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is the most prestigious and the most glamorous tennis event the world has ever seen. And the Barclays Ball Kids are the most envied group of kids on the street.

Already, over 2,500 kids have already successfully signed up to appear at one of the 14 regional trials throughout the UK and Boris Becker says of the scheme: “The Barclays Ball Kids scheme is something that I feel very strongly about. It is a brilliant way for kids to get up close and personal with the top players of today and takes both courage and discipline.

"I met all the guys last year and they all seemed to be having a great time. I can’t wait to see the guys from this year do the same.”

If you haven’t yet signed up, there are still places available at other regional trials throughout the UK so go to www.barclaysballkids.com for further information and to sign-up.