Lauren on tenterhooks

A JUNIOR tennis ace who has to sleep in a tent during tournaments due to a lack of funding faces an uncertain future.

Lauren Dowling (13) is hoping to net sponsorship to help raise her game to the next level and fulfil her ambition.

In the meantime, the teenager has been staying in tents with her father Mark when the pair travel across the country to compete, due to the cost of hotels.

Lauren, who was among Lancashire’s top ranked players in the 12 and under group in March, is taking advantage of every opportunity after being picked for the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) AEGON FutureStar programme in recognition of her court success over the last year.

She is one of 477 youngsters across the country who will receive varying levels of funding and support from the LTA.

Practising four to five hours every day Lauren, who trains at Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre, can often be found at Bolton Academy serving up terrific tennis.

The home-schooled Chadderton teenager said: “The training is quite tough but it helps me a lot. I love playing and want to keep doing it.

“I need to compete in the competitions in Europe because in England you don’t get the opportunity to take part in these tournaments and improve.

Expensive
“It’s quite expensive, the fuel and driving there.”

Mark (30), who works as a taxi driver, said: “We can’t even afford the site fees for the tents in London. Everyone else is staying in hotels —we stay in tents.

“We can’t afford any coaching but towards the end of the summer season she finished in the top 10. She has so much potential.”

Mark is looking for sponsorship to cover travel and accommodation for next year’s European competitions.

He admits that without sponsorship Lauren, who started playing at a local tennis club aged six, may be forced to give up on her dreams of a tennis career.

“You can only get so far playing in national tournaments, then you have to go international. She needs it to get to the next level,” he added.

“She started out at the bottom in her tennis club and within about six months she was the second best in the group.

“She can reach the top. I believe there are certain things which make you successful.

“She has a good work ethic, she’s the hardest working kid ever. She’s 100-per-cent committed and has dedicated parents.

“I practice with Lauren at the indoor tennis courts in the Bolton several times a week.”

Anyone interested in sponsorship should email markdowling2000@yahoo.co.uk