Four Nations contest for young Perth stars
Alexander and Riley selected for championships
Two Fair City tennis prospects have been selected to represent Scotland at the Four Nations’ Junior Championships.
Perth Tennis Club members Alexander English and Riley Thomson will play in the 12 and under section of the event in Belfast.
Both young players will be hoping to celebrate victory against England, Wales and Ireland when action comes to a close on Sunday, September 8 at CIYMS Tennis Club.
It was a proud moment for coach Craig Cameron - and the club - when news filtered through that the local aces had received the Scottish call-up.
“It’s a real achievement because there are only 12 players, six boys and six girls, representing Scotland,” Craig said.
“Two of them have come from Perth so it is a really nice feeling for both the club and myself. It’s down to the dedication of the players and also their families.
“This will be a fun experience of getting away and the Scottish team will believe they have a chance, if they play well, to come back with the title.”
Riley, a Dollar Academy student, has been playing tennis from a young age and Craig has watched her rise through the Scottish ranks.
Alexander English He said: “Riley has been playing tennis since she was three or four and has been at Perth Tennis Club the whole time.
“She has always been extremely athletic and plays hockey to a very high level too.
“She is really dedicated and is extremely happy to be selected for Scotland.
“This will be Riley’s first call-up for Scotland because it’s the earliest they can play for their country.
“She’s in the top four for her age and
Riley Thomson it’s a very tough fight between them to get in to this team.
“But she was selected based on her doubles play, singles play, dedication and also her results in most recent tournaments.
“Riley plays about four hours down at Perth a week.
“Two hours of that are private lessons with myself.
“We have another qualified coach who trains with her and, on top of that, she plays with the Scotland squad at Stirling.
“Her attitude on court is unbelievable and she always gives her full effort.”
Craig, speaking about Strathallan pupil Alexander, went on: “Alexander has managed to put in the right effort and desire to get in the team.
“He has been travelling about and recently played in a grade one tournament. That was for the top 16 or 32 in the whole of Britain.
“He lost in the first round but, according to the Scottish performance coach, he played really well and had a good attitude.
“We’ve got a handful coming through from the age of seven up to Riley and Alexander.
“There are a couple in each age group who, if they show the same dedication, they could easily be in the Scotland team in a few years’ time.”
Tennis Scotland national coach Colin Fleming believes the Four Nations’ Championships is a unique opportunity for players.
“England re-joining the championships last year took the competition to a new level, and it looks like it will go from strength to strength in coming years,” he said.
“As always picking the Scottish team was a difficult process, with so many players in the frame for selection.
“We look forward to travelling to Belfast with a strong team in a bid to bring the championship back to Scotland.”