28 May 2015 | Tennis SA

Bailey McCarthy and Rebeka Schaefer are set to represent South Australia in the 2016 Australian Open Ballkid Squad after being selected for the official Interstate Ballkid Visitor Program.

Bailey and Rebeka were outstanding participants in the 2015 World Tennis Challenge Ballkid Squad, showing a willingness to listen, learn and improve with every training session and match.

“We are, of course, very excited to announce that Bailey and Rebeka will be representing South Australia at the Australian Open in 2016. Both Bailey and Rebeka displayed an outstanding attitude during the World Tennis Challenge and are very worthy recipients of this opportunity,” said Breanna Hassam, Tennis SA Competitive Play and Programs Coordinator and manager of the World Tennis Challenge Ballkid Program.

“The chance to represent South Australia at the Australian Open is the opportunity of a lifetime for Bailey and Rebeka, and we wish them all the very best of luck,” Hassam added.

The official Interstate Ballkid Visitor Program representatives will attend intensive on court training sessions, an official Australian Open induction and orientation days during 2015.

Follow in Bailey and Rebeka’s footsteps and express your interest in the 2016 World Tennis Challenge Ballkid Squad and Woolworths Ballkid Program! Register now by completing the expression of interest form available at: http://bit.ly/1x7uVy2. Expressions of interest close on Friday 31 July 2015.

Ballkids play an integral role in ensuring that tennis tournaments run smoothly. Throughout the Australian Open series, each ballkid is a focal part of every game, be it at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne or at the Brisbane International, Hobart International, Apia International Sydney or South Australia’s very own, World Tennis Challenge!

Ballkids are aged between 11 and 17 years depending on the tournament age restrictions. Please see below exact ages for each tournament:

• Australian Open, Melbourne (age: 12–15 years)
• Brisbane International presented by Suncorp (age: 12–17 years)
• Hopman Cup (age: 12–15 years)
• Hobart International (age: 11–15 years)
• Apia International Sydney (age: 13–17 years)
• World Tennis Challenge, Adelaide (age: 12–17 years)
• Australian Pro Tour events around Australia (age: up to 18 years)