Harry meets Wimbledon champ
MEDBOURNE youngster Harry Clarke enjoyed a tennis master-class with former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash as the race to net the national honour of becoming a 'Barclays Ball Kid' reached the final stage.
The 12-year-old was among 119 youngsters attending the Barclays Ball Kids National Trials at Westway Sports Centre in London with the best 30 set to be ball kids at the ATP World Tour Finals in November.
Clarke was tested on his agility, endurance, co-ordination, ball skills, balance, speed and teamwork as Cash and Andy Murray's former coach Mark Petchey ran the rule over his sporting prowess.
And Clarke – who plays his tennis at the Medbourne Tennis Club and attends Uppingham Community College – admitted it would be a dream come true to share the court with the likes of Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal at the O2 in November.
"I had a really good time and a really good day although it was hard work and really busy," said Clarke, who is also a member of the Market Harborough Swimming Club and a former Bringhurst Primary School student.
"It was great to watch Pat Cash play and see all the tricks he did and it was just a really good day.
"It would be an amazing experience to go to the ATP finals and see all the players I see on TV up close.
"I would be most excited about seeing Roger Federer and Andy Murray."
The nationwide Barclays Ball Kids search began last November with Clarke – who also represents Leicestershire at cricket – qualifying at the Ellis Guilford School and Sports College last month.
And Cash – who along with Petchey had a hand in selecting the lucky winners – believes Clarke did everything he could to be part of the lucky 30 on November 21.
"It was a fantastic day and Harry was very impressive," said Cash.
"All the kids showed a great attitude and it will undoubtedly be a difficult decision to choose the winners. But it is a fantastic opportunity for the winners to go down to the O2 and get to experience what will be a great week for them all."
For more information on becoming a Barclays Ball Kid at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London visit www.barclaysballkids.com
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Weather for Harborough
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North
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