Becker: Get involved in Barclays BallKids

Posted: Tuesday 1st March 2011 | 8:54

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BARCLAYS Ball Kids is a scheme I feel very strongly about and after meeting all the guys from last year at the O2, so I was delighted to be more involved in 2011.

SUPPORT: Six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker wants aspiring ball kids to sign up for a chance to participate in this year's ATP Tour Finals in London

Last year's scheme was a big success with everyone at the ATP Tour Finals and it's a brilliant way for kids to get up close and personal with the top players of today.

It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity but believe me it isn't an easy job.

So far, about 2,800 kids have signed up for trials but the more the better as it takes a special kind of person to perform the duty of ball boy and it is a real honour to do it in front of a big crowd and the world's best players.

I met all the guys last year and they all seemed to be having a great time and really took a lot out of the experience. I can't wait to see the guys from this year do the same.

And for those kids hoping to become tennis players, then this scheme can give them a real boost. It is a big kick for these young guys when they get to see Roger Federer just a few feet away going through his incredible range of shots.

And just imagine being on court and throwing Andy Murray the ball, just seconds before he serves for one of the biggest titles in tennis?

* Thirty 12-16 year olds will get the opportunity to become ball boys and girls at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London in November. Regional trials will be held across the UK (see dates below) - where youngsters will be tested on their agility, endurance, co-ordination, ball skills, speed and teamwork.

Edinburgh - Saturday March 5, Newcastle - Sunday March 6, Leeds - Saturday March 12, Manchester - Sunday March 13, Exeter - Saturday March 19, Bristol - Sunday March 20, Nottingham - Saturday March 26, Birmingham - Sunday March 27, Southampton - Saturday April 2, Guildford - Sunday April 3, Sutton - Sunday April 10, Oxford - Saturday May 7, Cambridge - Sunday May, Bromley - Saturday May 14