5 January 2012 | Tennis Victoria

Eight tennis talents aged 13/u from regional Victoria will put their skills to the test when they represent Victoria at the national Foundation Cup Interstate Challenge, starting on Monday in Sydney.

Josh Charlton, Isaac Watson, Lachlan Carroll, Zac Uquhart, Andrine Holt-Crossman, Nicole Mullen, Hannah Heath and Layla Simmie were selected to represent Victoria based on their performances at the 13/u John Fitzgerald (boys) and 13/u Foundation Cups (girls) earlier in the year. The Team Managers are John and Julie Glynn.       

Josh Charlton said that he’s “really excited to be playing in Sydney”.

“I think it’s great playing as part of a team, but also representing your state and yourself.”

Played at the Parramatta Tennis Centre, and supported by the Fed Cup Foundation, the event will run from Monday 9 until Thursday 12 January. For the first time this year, Queensland will be entering a team to compete in the challenge against regional state teams from Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.

At the 2011 event, Victoria finished second behind New South Wales and the team is looking to go one better this year.

“I know there’s going to be tough competition but it’s going to be lots of fun,” said Charlton.

As part of the event, all of the participants will get to attend the Apia Sydney International for a day and watch world class tennis. They will also be included in a unique award presentation on centre court.

Tennis Victoria’s Player Development Coordinator Emily Arnott said it was a great opportunity for players from regional areas to be recognised for their tennis abilities and commitment to the sport.

“To have an event of this nature that is only open to regional kids is fantastic,” said Arnott.

“I know that they will really grow from their involvement in this team as tennis players, as well as people, and will have a fantastic experience.”