Ryan snapped up by future stars programme (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Ryan snapped up by future stars programme

1:00pm Tuesday 20th December 2011 in Tennis

ODIHAM tennis player Ryan Golesworthy is one of the brightest up-and-coming talents in the country and this has been recognised after he was selected to join the Lawn Tennis Association’s AEGON FutureStars programme.

The ten-year-old has earned his place on the programme following a successful year on court and will now receive added support from the LTA.

Golesworthy, who trains at the David Lloyd Tennis Academy in Southampton and is coached by Mike Booth, continued his winter season with a win at the Grade 4 Winter County Tournament held at Totally Tennis in Basingstoke.

After winning the quarter-final against William Jones, 4-0, 4-0, Golesworthy secured the semi-final against Owen Robinson 4-1, 4-2.

In the final he played Berkshire’s Angus Whittam in a three set thriller where both boys played some wonderful tennis. Whittam edged the first set 5-4 before Golesworthy hit back to take the second set 4-2.

The deciding set was a battle with Golesworthy winning the tournament 10-7.

The AEGON FutureStars programme recognises and supports some of the best juniors in the country based on the individual player’s talent ID assessment for players aged ten and under, and rankings for all other age groups.

The talented youngsters have been chosen as part of the 2011/2012 intake of players and will be part of a group of 477 top juniors from around the country who all receive varying levels of funding and support from the LTA.

Leon Smith, LTA Head of Men’s and Women’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.”

Ian Murray, Head of Sponsorship at AEGON, added: “We’re delighted to continue supporting the LTA with the development of the most talented tennis players in the country.

“The support provided to the players through these schemes is vital to players’ individual development and we’re proud to be investing in the future of British Tennis.”