TENNIS-mad Holly Clarke is hoping to net a place on court with the world’s best players.

The 13-year-old from Horwich is travelling to St George’s Park in London today to compete with other hopefuls in a bid to become a ball girl at the forthcoming Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London in November.

The 13-year-old has already “smashed” her way through regional trials, which were held in Manchester in August as part of the Barclays Ball Kids programme.

More than 100 youngsters will be tested on their agility, endurance, co-ordination, balance and ball-skills and a squad of 30 will then be selected.

Holly, who lives in Manor Road, Horwich, and attends St Michael’s in Chorley, said: “Tennis has always been my passion — I first picked up a racket at the age of four and have competed at national tennis tournaments as well as representing Lancashire for the past five years.”

The youngster, who plays for Holcombe Brook tennis club in Ramsbottom, added: “I also love playing locally and especially playing doubles with my older sister.”

Sporty Holly is also a keen netball player and as a passionate musician, she is about to sit her grade eight cornet exam.

Holly’s mum, Nicola Clarke, said she was very proud of her daughter.

She added: “She has worked so hard and we know that this is going to be tough, but she is a very committed young girl.”

The Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, which take place between November 9 and 16, will showcase the best eight qualified male singles players and doubles teams in the world.