The annual amateur competition for the region’s tennis enthusiasts, the Mubadala Community Cup will start on Nov.5, with more than 300 ambitious players expected to take part.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Calling eager amateur tennis players, aspiring future stars, or sports enthusiasts who want to be part of the one of the most popular events on the calendar.

Mubadala World Tennis Championship organisers have started a major community drive for an unmissable opportunity to be involved at the heart of the 14th edition of the region’s leading tennis experience.

Starting now, the UAE community can sign up to three different, exciting community programmes at this year’s event.

With less than 90 days until six of the world’s top male tennis players and two of the best players in the women’s game take to the court at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi, from Dec.16 –18, the search is on for ball kids, Championship volunteers and amateur players keen to test their skills.

The annual amateur competition for the region’s tennis enthusiasts, the Mubadala Community Cup will start on November 5, with more than 300 ambitious players expected to take part. Tasked with navigating their way through one of seven knockout competitions – 10s & Under (Mixed); 12s & Under (Mixed); 14s & Under (Boys & Girls); Ladies Singles; Men's Singles, and Adult Mixed Doubles – winners are rewarded with a priceless opportunity to take part in a clinic with one of the game’s best players during the Mubadala World Tennis Championship.

Amateur tennis players aged eight and above can sign up now – be quick before spots are filled!

The MWTC Ball Kids Programme is open once more to youths aged between 12 and 17. This special programme, which provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage with global tennis stars, is run by Zayed Sports Academy at the International Tennis Centre.

Ball Kids spend seven weeks training and sharpening their skills ahead of the three-day festival. Designed to enhance their on-court abilities and etiquette – both crucial during elite tennis – it is also a great opportunity to work on hand-eye coordination, teamwork, unity, agility, and fitness.

Championship organisers are also seeking as many as 150 volunteers for a variety of positions, including Player Clinics Support, Volunteer Team Leaders, Tennis Village Operations, Guest Services, Gate Ushers and Wayfinding, and Announcers.

Registration is open to anyone over the age of 16 and closes on October 14, or once spaces are filled.

“The Mubadala World Tennis Championship is more than just three days of fantastic tennis featuring the sport’s biggest and best names; it is a holistic, inclusive tennis experience. The Championship consists of various sporting activities and events in line with our established goal of promoting the sport of tennis, supporting the development of healthy lifestyles in the region, and strengthening communities across the UAE,” said John Lickrish, CEO, Flash Entertainment.

“We take great pride in getting the community involved and the ball kids and volunteer programmes really offer participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of a world-class event and be right at the heart of the action. The Mubadala Community Cup presented by Healthpoint meanwhile, is a platform like no other in which keen amateur tennis players can test their skills against the best in the region, for the chance to be part of a clinic with one of the world’s best players.”