Thirty-two young local players from across the Port Pirie region are training in preparation for the event which will take place next month.

Starting on January 11, the Country Carnival is part of the World Tennis Challenge and all the

matches will be played at the Memorial Drive Tennis Club in Adelaide.

With only 28 players in the 2009 competition, this year Port Pirie will have another four youngsters

representing them with an Under 10’s team assembled.

The 16 boys and 16 girls were

selected by their performance and skill on the court.

They will make up eight teams and will represent the Under 10s, Under 12s, Under 14s and Under 16s

divisions.

Junior Coordinator of the Port Pirie and Districts Tennis Association, Dennis Buchanan said the junior teams had a good chance of success.

“This year we won five out of the seven divisions and we are looking to be in the same sort of place next year,” he said.

Mr Buchanan says he has also picked a young player to look out for. “In the Under 14’s, Kurtis Willson. He is one of the juniors who played in the 2009 event,” he said.

The World Tennis Challenge is a popular tennis event with one

current and past player

representing countries from around the world.

The 2010 challenge will see the likes of American John McEnroe and Australian favourite Pat Cash gracing the tennis court.