Barclays Ball Kids

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FAQs

• When do applications open for the 2012 Barclays Ball Kids programme?

  The 2012 Barclays Ball Kids Programme will launch on November 20th 2011, the start of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. From this date anyone aged between 12 and 16 years old will be able to apply to take part in the nationwide search.

• Who can enter to become a Barclays Ball Kid?

  Entrants must be a UK resident aged between twelve (12) years and sixteen (16) years old as of the first day of the 2012 event (5th November 2012) and eligible to participate as a volunteer on the Barclays Ball Kid Programme within the UK in accordance with immigration rules. Entrants must not have been a Barclays Ball Kid before.

• How do I apply to become a Barclays Ball Kid?

  There are three steps to becoming a Barclays Ball Kid:

  1. Apply online at www.barclaysballkids.com/apply/
  2. Attend one of 14 Regional Selection Trials held around the country
  3. If selected from the Regional Trials, battle it out at the National Selection Trial in London to earn a place in the Barclays Ball Kids squad

• How are the Barclays Ball Kids selected?

  The Barclays Ball Kids talent ID team conduct 1 1/2 hour Regional Selection Trial sessions and assess the kids on the following criteria:

  • Agility
  • Co-ordination
  • Ball Skills
  • Balance
  • Speed
  • Endurance
  • Concentration
  • Teamwork

• How many Barclays Ball Kids are there?

  A final squad of 30 kids will be selected. All 30 will be on court with the stars at The O2 for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

• Who are the Barclays Ball Kids Talent ID Team?

  The Barclays Ball Kids Talent ID team, led by Mark Magrath, consists of five experienced and highly qualified tennis coaches. Mark and a number of his team are also involved in selecting and training the ball boys and girls for the Wimbledon Championships.

• What is the training schedule like?

  Once selected as part of the Barclays Ball Kids squad, the kids undergo a training day, followed by an intensive five day Barclays Ball Kids Base Camp to perfect their skills before the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

• Do entrants need to be tennis experts?

  No, in fact many of the 2010 and 2011 squad members had never played tennis before. Entrants do need to understand the rules of tennis, have good coordination, be fit, and be able to work as part of a team. Ultimately, we are looking for kids who are passionate about tennis, quick on their feet and a team player.

• I entered the Barclays Ball Kids competition last year but wasn't selected. Can I enter again?

  Absolutely and we would encourage you to do so. Remember that you need to be between the age of 12 and 16 years old on the first day of the event (5th November 2012).

• Is there anything that I can do to increase my chances of becoming a 2012 Barclays Ball Kid?

  We would encourage you to watch as much professional tennis as you can and familiarise yourself with how the Ball Kids operate on the court during a match. If you can, buy a ticket to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and go along to watch!

• What if I can no longer attend my Regional Selection Trial?

  Please notify the Barclays Ball Kid Team as soon as possible if you are unable to attend your trial so that we can give the exciting opportunity to another child. We regret that it is not possible to change your location or allocated time for your Regional Selection Trial.

• What must I bring to my Regional Selection Trial?

  You must be accompanied by an adult to your Regional Selection Trial and bring your signed consent form. You will need to seek permission from you school if you need to take a day off school. Please wear a tracksuit, shorts, t-shirt, trainers with non marking soles and bring plenty of water.

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