AS a 10-year-old heading for a family holiday in Florida, Disney World and meeting Mickey Mouse are likely to be the first things that spring to mind.
Not so for Mold Tennis Club’s Nathan Caines. As soon as his parents told him they were taking him to Orlando, he jumped onto the internet to find tennis tournaments to enter and his enthusiasm led to him bringing a title back home.
Despite his tender age, Caines is committed to his sport and has represented North Wales at county level.
His commitment paid off when he discovered the Lake Cane Tennis Centre in Florida had its Junior Swing into Spring event while he was in the States.
He entered online and on their arrival, the family headed for the 17-court venue.
Once there Caines beat both Zak Sedaros (6-0, 6-0) and the number one seed Enrique Nascimento (6-3, 6-3) on his way to the final. He then went on to beat Kian Vakili (6-0, 6-0) securing his title as Boys’ 10 singles winner 2011.
On hs return with his trophy Mold head coach Vicki Broadbent was delighted.
“His enthusiasm and initiative led him to look for this international opportunity and he has returned as champion,” she said. “I hope that it may be the first of many such adventures abroad.”
This article was published and taken from The Flintshire Chronicle: flintshirechronicle.co.uk