Teddington School pupils Wimbledon stars after months of training
Teddington School pupils Wimbledon ball boys and girls have spent the past ten months preparing for their roles on Centre Court and No. 1 Court at the Championships. The programme, which places local students under global scrutiny in front of billions of viewers, represents one of the most visible commitments any Richmond borough school makes to an extra-curricular activity. For parents weighing up secondary options, it is worth knowing which schools offer routes into these high-profile opportunities.
The school has been selected to provide ball boys and girls for the show courts at this year’s Wimbledon Championships.
Ten months of training for a fortnight on court
The selection process begins each September.
Students who make the cut train throughout the autumn, winter and spring, developing the speed, precision and concentration required for the role. They learn court positioning, ball-handling techniques, and how to stay focused during long matches in front of capacity crowds. Head teacher Paul Grills praised the students’ commitment, resilience and hard work in earning their places on the show courts, where every movement is analysed by commentators and audiences across the globe. The training schedule runs alongside their normal schoolwork, requiring discipline and time management that goes well beyond the average after-school club.
For young people who complete the programme, the experience offers a masterclass in performing under pressure.
A visible link between local schools and SW19
Teddington School is one of several borough schools with established connections to the All England Club.
The ball boy and ball girl programme draws heavily on students from schools in Merton, Wandsworth and Richmond upon Thames, reflecting the Championships’ long-standing ties to the local area. While the roles are unpaid, they offer students a rare chance to be part of a global sporting event and develop skills that translate well beyond the tennis court. Parents often cite the programme as evidence of a school’s ability to secure opportunities that build confidence and character, particularly for students who thrive on structure and high expectations.
The visibility of the role means students return to school in September with a story that opens doors, whether in job interviews or university applications.
What this means for you
If you have a child approaching secondary school age and the Wimbledon programme appeals, it is worth asking prospective schools directly whether they participate and what the selection process involves. Not all schools with proximity to SW19 have formal links to the Championships, so the question is worth putting on your open-day checklist. For students already at Teddington School, expressions of interest for the 2026 programme typically open in the autumn term, so watch for notices from the PE department in September.
The Wimbledon ball boy and ball girl programme remains one of the most distinctive opportunities available to secondary students in the borough, combining athletic discipline with a front-row seat at one of the world’s great sporting events. For families weighing up schools, it is a tangible example of the kind of extra-curricular pathway that can shape a young person’s confidence and resilience in ways the classroom alone cannot.
The commitment involved is substantial: ten months of regular training for a fortnight of work that demands split-second timing, physical stamina, and composure under the gaze of packed stadiums and television cameras worldwide.
Frequently asked questions
Which other Richmond borough schools provide Wimbledon ball boys and girls?
- Several schools across Richmond upon Thames, Merton and Wandsworth have links to the All England Club programme, though the list varies from year to year. Your best route to current information is to ask the PE department at any secondary school you are considering, or contact the All England Club directly for a list of participating schools.
Do students get paid for being Wimbledon ball boys and girls?
- No, the role is unpaid, though students receive official kit, meals during their shifts, and a small number of tickets for friends and family. The programme is designed as a development opportunity rather than paid work, with the experience itself considered the primary reward.
How are ball boys and girls selected at Teddington School?
- The school runs an internal selection process that assesses fitness, coordination, concentration and reliability. Students typically apply in the autumn of Year 9 or Year 10, and successful candidates commit to regular training sessions throughout the academic year leading up to the Championships.
Can my child apply directly to Wimbledon without going through a school?
- The All England Club works exclusively through a network of partner schools, so applications must come via a participating school rather than directly from families. If your child’s current school does not take part, you would need to consider schools that do if the opportunity is a priority.