Ben Kelliher from Northumberland in action at the recent Regional Talent ID day.

Ben was recently selected to take part in the LTA's Regional Talent I.D day held in Hull on 16th March 2010 in the U8 level. 

The Northumberland born player thoroughly enjoyed the expereince and gave 100%  in everything he was asked to do. Other children also attended from Yorkshire, Cumbria, Durham and Cleveland and Northumberland.

Ben has been identified because of some of the following attributes:
• Natural talent for the game & athletic ability
• Keenness and a love of tennis
• An appetite and potential to improve basic technique
• To be prepared to play a minimum of three to four times a week
• To have a desire and ability to compete in matches and tournaments on a regular basis.

Promising junior players are spotted through a number of routes:
• Playing and competing in tournaments
• Attending County talent ID days – players are put forward by clubs and coaches
• Recommended by your coach to be seen by the local member of the LTA Talent Team depending on your age.

Players who are identified through the above may have the opportunity to attend:
• Regional ID days
• National ID days
Once identified, talented young players need to be in the right talent development programmes to challenge them, provide the correct level of training and coaching of the right quality, as well as regular competition.

More information about the winning player pathway can be found on the LTA.