Loughborough junior tennis player Anna Michelle Chesca, Hinckley's Ben Moore and Alexander Lunn of Melton Mowbray were put through their paces this week after taking part in the Lawn Tennis Association’s national Talent ID Finals.
The ID team were looking to spot future performance players who, even at such an early age, were displaying the right attributes that could enable them to make a real impact on the game.
The eight-year-old Anna who has recently been selected for the LTA’s AEGON FutureStars programme, was one of 113 youngsters from across the south-east, south-west and east of England invited to the session at the National Tennis Centre in London after she successfully progressed through county and regional Talent ID days to make the final week.
The Stonebow Primary School pupil said: “It was a lot of fun at Talent ID. I tried my hardest in all the tasks we were given so I know I’ve done my best.
“I really want to be a professional tennis player when I grow up so I just have to keep trying and keep competing and one day hopefully I’ll get there!”
The day was overseen by Andrew Lewandowski, Head of Talent Management at the LTA who is excited by the talent that is being developed within British tennis.
“Anna Michelle has performed really well and shown lots of ability across a number of different tasks testing qualities including athletic ability, coordination, speed and agility and a real natural talent and love for the sport.”
"Ben and Alex performed really well. They showed lots of ability across a number of different tasks."
Moore said: "The day was great fun. It was really hard work, though, but the coaches made it a lot of fun by putting us through some really exciting tests."
Those thoughts were echoed by Lunn who said: "I was really pleased to be selected for the finals.
"I love playing tennis so I was looking forward to going and showing the coaches what I can do."