Amazing Wimbledon experience for Barnstaple youngster

Barnstaple’s Heidi Clarke may not have lifted silverware on the manicured lawns of Wimbledon – but she still enjoyed an unforgettable experience at SW19.

Clarke, 13, who attends The Park Community School and plays at Tarka Tennis Centre featured in the national finals at the Play Your Way to Wimbledon event, powered by Vodafone – the largest individual mass participation tennis competition in the UK.

Thousands of 14 and under and 18 and under players took part in the qualifying stages this year, leading to county and regional finals in June and July, with the winners progressing to the national finals on Wimbledon’s Aorangi Courts last week.

Clarke, who described Katie Boulter as her tennis idol, failed to progress to the latter stages of the tournament – but was still thrilled to attend Wimbledon and revealed it was an experience she will never forget.

She said: “It feels so special, I never imagined I could get here. It feels amazing to play where professionals could have played.

“I like Katie Boulter because of her determination. I try take that to my game.

“I’ve been here to watch twice so it’s amazing to play here. I just want to try my hardest and do my best. My family are over the moon for me.”

The competition looks to inspire the next generation of tennis talent; enabling players of all ages to follow in the footsteps of their heroes and compete for a chance to play on Wimbledon’s iconic courts.

Formerly known as the Road to Wimbledon, the competition is supported by Vodafone in partnership with the LTA and the All England Club, as a collective commitment to support grassroots tennis in the UK.

This year’s event will be the largest finals in the competition’s history, adding a junior wheelchair pathway, plus exhibitions of para standing and deaf tennis.

The 2023 competition saw record participation as the event opened up to more players, with the introduction of qualifying rounds for three disability categories split between Visual Impairment, Learning Disability and Wheelchair tennis, as well as an Adult Doubles pathway.

Former British No.1 and Vodafone Ambassador Tim Henman was in attendance to cheer on the players at SW19 and offer his experience and advice.

He said: "Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is an incredible opportunity for people from every walk of life to pick up a racket and get involved and it's been great to see so many players taking part in this year's competition.

"This is an opportunity that not many get, so there are lots of people walking around with big smiles on their faces!

"I would encourage the finalists to enjoy their matches, soak it all up, take that experience away with you and spread the word. Hopefully we can keep increasing participation numbers."

Former British No.1nd Vodafone Ambassador Laura Robson led a coaching clinic alongside the All England Club’s Head Coach Dan Bloxham, allowing players who just missed out on the 14U national finals to experience grass court play.

She said: “The coaching clinic is so much fun. All the kids work so hard out there and have a smile on their face the entire time which is exactly what you want.

“It’s a highlight of the year for many and this feels like a big deal, because it is. Everything here is exactly as it was when the main tournament was on, which makes it even more special.

“I played this competition when it was ‘Road to Wimbledon’ - just about everyone who is currently in British tennis has played at this event, so hopefully we can create some good memories for the players out there.”

Play Your Way to Wimbledon, powered by Vodafone, is the UK’s largest individual mass participation tennis competition, providing recreational players of all ages and abilities the opportunity to compete at Wimbledon.  The All England Club and LTA are proud to partner with Vodafone to expand the competition in 2024.