Kenilworth nine-year-old organising charity event at tennis club

A nine-year-old from Kenilworth is organising a charity event at his tennis club.

Ben Kirby, who goes to Kenilworth Tennis Club, was due to be representing Warwickshire in the Tennis County Cup this June.

As this event was cancelled, Ben decided to host an event at his club to raise funds for a charity.

Ben's dad Scott Kirby said: "It was Ben’s idea for the event, including the format and to invite his county squad team mates. He will be joined by at least 10 of his county team mates across four age groups.

"Head Coach at Kenilworth, James Roe suggested inviting other county players at Kenilworth as they may be interested in helping to raise funds and awareness of the event.

"The event is a Hit Marathon, where members of KTSCC are invited to come and play a 10 minute session against one or more of the county juniors at Kenilworth Tennis Club on June 28 for a donation to the Down’s Syndrome Association.

"Friends and family of the 11 children participating have been asked to sponsor the event."

Ben joined Kenilworth tennis club in the tiny tots class when he was two years old. He played his first competitive match for Kenilworth U8's when he was four.

Ben said: "I was looking forward to playing for my county again but as that was cancelled and because the charities are not getting any money from events such as the London marathon and Iron Man that have also been cancelled, I thought it would be a good idea to help out a charity."

When asked how he was he feeling about the event Ben said he is excited to get back to playing tennis and hopeful of raising lots of money for a charity. He also said that this is his first fundraising event so he’s a little nervous of its success.

The event is being run in accordance with Lawn Tennis Association and club guidelines on Covid-19 safe play.

To donate go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ktscc-jnr-hit-marathon