Barclays Ball Kid Blog from Basecamp
7 November 2011
Monday October 24th
Finally it had arrived! The week I had been looking forward to for weeks on end. From today through to Thursday, I will be training, along with the other 29 Ball Kids, for the ATP World Tour Finals at the o2 in less than a month. I arrived in Esporta Southampton early this morning to meet all the other Ball Kids for only the second time. Today we practised getting our ball rolling perfect and having really good posture. This evening we were told who we were sharing a room with- and I’m sharing with a girl called Celine. This evening we had pizza for supper, and all got to know each other a lot better. It’s only the first day but I’m already having loads of fun.
Tuesday October 25th
We woke up early at our Holiday Inn to find that our muscles already ached so much- perhaps I’ll actually listen today when the coaches tell us to stretch! Today Dan and Mark- our coaches- moved our teams around quite a few times, they’re trying to find the best combinations. At the moment, I’m a base- my job is to give the players their towel and balls. After training, we all went for a swim while Izzy tried to teach me some Essex slang (still working on it!)
Wednesday October 26th
Today we were given our final teams- I’m with Izzy, Millie, Charlie, Corey and Shuei. I really like my team and everyone’s so sweet so I’m really happy with it. The reality that this is the second last day of training before being on court with the likes of Federer and Nadal is sinking in. Being quite a fidgeter, (not sure if that’s a word), I find it difficult to not move for an hour straight but I’m getting better at it! Tonight we went swimming again, which was good fun before doing a quiz in the evening in teams. Even though we didn’t win, it was fun. Even though the Ball Kids have only known each other for such a short amount of time, we’ve all become really close already.
Thursday October 27th
Today we had our last practice with our team. When we performed to the rest of the Ball Kids, I was really scared, so I can’t imagine how petrified I will be in the real thing!
Friday October 28th
Early this morning, we set off to the o2, to be given a tour of the venue. It turned out Britney was performing later on, so we got given a backstage tour and were next to her tour bus and dressing room, which was really exciting! Looking up at the huge size of the venue, I began to get nervous, but also so excited that this time in 3 weeks we’ll be here, ballgirling and ballboying for some of the top tennis players in the world. It’s too crazy to imagine right now, but I’m sure the reality will sink in pretty soon. We all went to Pizza Express for lunch, before saying bye to everyone. I have had such a great week, and have made some amazing friends. It was sad to leave everyone- we’ve all grown so close. Only 3 weeks to go now!
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Holding Court in Peterborough
The first Barclays Ball Kids Regional Selection Trial, took place at Thorpe Wood Health & Racquets Club, Peterborough on Saturday 21st January.
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