The ATP Champions Tour at the Royal Albert Hall ran like clockwork last week, when students from Charters school in Sunningdale were chosen as Ball Kids for the four-day tournament. Twenty Four students volunteered their time to retrieve stray tennis balls and ensure the players received new ones for their service games. The tournament, which features World No. 1’s, Grand Slam singles finalists, and victorious Davis Cup team members who have retired from the ATP circuit, offers spectators high quality tennis with a dash of fun.

Mrs Kirstie Hartwell, Head of PE at Charters said, “The students worked incredibly hard to prepare for their role in the weeks leading up to the tournament and thrived under the pressure of the cameras and the spotlights. Watching the skill of the players at close quarters was inspirational and it is an experience of a lifetime they will never forget. I am very proud of the students and each embodied the school’s motto of Unity, Respect, Excellence.”

Year 10 student, Kaya Campion, found himself playing alongside Tim Henman when Xavier Malisse handed him his racquet. “Even though I lost the point, the whole event was an experience I will never forget and I would love to do it again. Although I was nervous at the start, being a part of such a prestigious event was incredible.”

For further information about  Charters School please visit the website: www.chartersschool.org.uk/