TENNIS ace Ryan Golesworthy has kept his place in the Lawn Tennis Association’s Aegon FutureStars programme for a third consecutive year.

The programme identifies the top emerging talent from across Britain and ensures that they receive the right support to develop their tennis careers.

Leon Smith, LTA head of men’s tennis, said: “We are committed to supporting and identifying our most talented players, and the Aegon FutureStars programme is central to this process for young players who are starting out in the game.

“There’s obviously a long way to go for these players. It’s a long journey for any player hoping to make an impact on the game but we hope that with the right support, these players are given the best possible chance of reaching their full potential.”

Golesworthy, pictured, a Year 7 pupil at Robert May’s School in Odiham, was selected after a very successful year on the tennis court.

He is currently ranked in the top 20 in the United Kingdom for the under-12 boys group.

The 12-year-old continued his winter season with a win at the West Worthing Grade Three tournament.

Grade Three tournaments are regional events with entrants from all over the country.

At West Worthing, Golesworthy played his first match against Sussex’s Thomas Beuttell-Triggs, winning it 6-2, 6-1.

In the quarter-finals, the Odiham player beat Surrey’s Conor Williamson 6-2, 6-1 and in the last four, Golesworthy beat Warwick-shire’s Ben Stuchbury 6-0, 7-5.

The final was a tough one against Yorkshire’s Matthis Ross and despite a spirited attack from Ross in the second set, the Hampshire player came out on top, winning 6-2, 6-4.

After the victory, Golesworthy said: “It was a difficult tournament because of the weather conditions so I don’t think I played my best tennis.

“I fought hard and stayed positive. I was able to keep my focus and win the tournament.

“I’m now based at Kingsley Tennis Club and really enjoying my time on the court. I have a new coach and my game is improving all the time.”

Golesworthy is looking to play European tennis this year, where he will begin to challenge and compete for Tennis Europe ranking points, which is the next step in his march towards becoming a professional tennis player.