Wimbledon 2025 ball boys and girls' pay packet and big perk emerge
They play a crucial role in the championships each year
A ball boy looks on with number one court behind on day one of Wimbledon
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The biggest stars in the world of tennis have once again descended on the iconic ground of Wimbledon for what many regard as one of the most prestigous tournaments in sport.
At the heart of the action will be the legions of ball boys and girls, all of whom are vital to the smooth running of the competition at the All England Club.
An estimated 250 youngsters are drafted in each year as what organisers affectionately refer to as BBGs, who are given the opportunity to rub shoulders alongside some of the biggest stars in tennis.
According to the Express, some 1,000 youngsters apply for the role every year, with 170 selected from Year 9 and 10 pupils in local schools.
A further 80 BBGs from previous tournaments are then asked to return for a second stint.
The average age is 15, with Grey Court School in Richmond, Sacred Heart High School in Hammersmith and Tolworth Girls' School in Surbiton some of the schools working with the championships.
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The prestige of taking part in such an iconic competition is often enough to attract any tennis-mad youngster.
But as well as the opportunity to be a part of one of the world's most famous sporting occasions, there are several other perks for those lucky enough to be selected.
For one, BBGs are allowed to keep their iconic Ralph Lauren uniforms.
Additionally, they are also paid around £200 for their work in order to cover expenses.
Getting selected is something of a long process for many of the youngsters, some of whom have had their heart set on the role for several years.
Last year, BBC Newsbeat spoke to two ball girls during the tournament to get some insight into what it's really like.
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Ball girl Aashny explained: 'I've wanted to do this since I was in Year 7. We started training and each week certain people would get through to the next round. It's a long selection process.
'The first time I went onto Centre Court was really special. I get to see loads of players and be around this atmosphere for two weeks.'
And ball girl Saran added: 'I was always really nervous to go in. But I think the work has paid off. I have no idea who they (the players) are.'
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