Game, set and match for North Manchester boys
1 July 2009
More than 40 pupils at North Manchester High School for Boys will have a taste of the tennis fever sweeping the country, when they act as ball boys at an international tournament.
The Blackley pupils, who have all received more than four months training, will be ball boys at the AEGON Pro Series men's grass tournament at The Northern in Didsbury from July 11th to 19th.
The high profile competition traditionally closes the world grass court season and is a springboard to fame for the future stars of professional tennis.
Former winners of the tournament include John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, Pete Sampras and Goran Ivanisevic.
North Manchester High School for Boys PE teacher, David Warburton, says: "We've been training ball boys at the school for over 20 years and have taken part in a range of tournaments including two Davis Cups, The National Championships, The World Transplant Games and many pro-celebrity events."
The boys spend all day at the tournament with the first game starting at 10.30am and finishing when the referee decides the light has gone.
Six boys at a time perform ball boy duties per game with six courts usually in use at the same time. If not needed on court, the boys are kept entertained with books and games.
Councillor Sheila Newman, Manchester City Council Executive Member for Children's Services says: "Learning and education is not just about what happens in the classroom. These boys will have learnt a tremendous amount about discipline, attentiveness and self control in their role as ball boys - all of which will be invaluable to them as they move to adulthood."
David Warburton adds: "It is a wonderful opportunity for the boys and one they clearly enjoy as many of our pupils continue even after leaving school. As part of the ball boy experience they also get the chance to play on the courts at The Northern, which in itself is a fabulous experience."
The North Manchester High School for Boys' experience as ball boys is part of the city council's year long 'Proud Of' campaign which encourages residents to take pride in themselves and their community.
The Tennis Clinics of the AEGON Pro Series Manchester are sponsored by Manchester City Council as part of the Council's programme of world class, international sporting events.
