On the 28th April 2012, the selected one hundred from around the country met at the National Selection Trials in London. These eager finalists had to perform to their maximum over the four hours of drills. They were scrutinised on their throwing, rolling and balance abilities, examined on their physical capabilities and tested on their mental stamina.
After the drills, the children then had the opportunity to meet tennis celebrities Mark Petchey and Greg Rusedski. Some of the applicants had the pleasure of playing tennis with the celebrities in a doubles match.
From the one hundred applicants Mark Magrath and his team selected the thirty children who, in their opinion, displayed all the skills necessary and had what it takes to be a Barclay’s Ball Kid. Reiga Belcher and Gianpiero Placidi were elated when, on the 4th May 2012, they were informed that they had been chosen to be in the squad of thirty.
This squad of thirty will be joining the world’s top eight tennis players at the O2 Arena for the ATP World Tour Finals, beginning on the 5th November 2012.
Video about the regional trials and comments from Mark Magrath:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJPv9or4BXQ&feature=player_embedded#!
These squad members will now travel to Coventry for one day of training and to collect their Ball Kid uniform sponsored by Lacoste. They are then accommodated in a hotel, from the 22nd - 26th October, for five days of intense training at the Barclay’s Ball Kids Base Camp in Southampton.
Once the training is completed the members are ready to perform at the O2 arena, in November, for the ATP World Tour Finals. During the finals the squad will stay in a London hotel which is, in itself, an experience.
When asked what they were looking forward to, Gianpiero Placidi replied “being on court with the top eight players in the world” and “the great atmosphere”.
Reiga Belcher responded “meeting the players and watching them play”. He also added “it’s going be hard but I’m looking forward to it”.
The ATP Tour is not necessarily the last experience for these striving ball kids. After the finals, some are chosen to help in next years Barclay’s Ball Kids trials and some go on to ball kid in other tournaments, as they have the experience and knowledge of what is takes to become a Ball Kid performing at the O2 Arena.
If you are interested in purchasing tickets for the ATP World Tour Finals in London, the link below leads to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals homepage and to the 2012 tickets:
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Finals/2012.aspx
http://www.atpworldtour.com/Finals/2012/Tickets/Tickets.aspx