Tennis: Fenwick rising star aims for success

Feb 5 2010 by Lizzie Struthers, Kilmarnock Standard

YOUNG tennis ace Ewan Moore spends more than nine hours a week honing his talent.

The 11-year-old fits in training before and after school most days and his regime is paying off as Ewan is ranked third in Scotland’s under-12s.

Ewan started to play tennis four years ago after a court was built in his home village of Fenwick.

His school teacher Angus Rodger encouraged him to take up the sport, instantly spotting his talent with a racquet.

Ewan trains with his brother Andrew, 13. The pair are both members of Prestwick Tennis Club.

They also train at Scotstoun Leisure Centre in Glasgow – including two 6am sessions.

Proud mum Morag, 44, a classroom assistant, said: “The boys have never slept in once. They are just so keen to play tennis.”

Ewan said: “I like to get up early and go play tennis with my brother.

“I enjoy going to training and the tournaments as I always get to see my friends too.”

In the past year Ewan, who is coached by Kris Gray of Tennis Scotland, has played in tournaments at club, district and country level from Aberdeen to Dorset.

He has won the South of Scotland U11s; the West of Scotland U11s, Ayrshire U12s and Scotland and North of England U12s.

Ewan says the highlight of the year was beating much older players, including his brother, to lift the South of Scotland U14s title in October.

The Fenwick Primary seven pupil says he prefers to play indoors.

“There is no wind and it is always warm,” joked Ewan.

The Wimbledon hopeful of the future dreams of becoming the next Andy Murray or Roger Federer.

Said Ewan: “Murray comes from a Scottish village like me. Federer is really great.”

Ewan is also a promising footballer as he plays for teams Galston U12s, Ayr United U12s and East Ayrshire Primary Schools district squad.

The sports fanatic’s other hobbies include golf, basketball and swimming.

Ewan is also the current Ayrshire schools cross country champion over 1000 metres.

Dad Davie, 49, who is a self-employed fireplace fitter, said: “Ewan’s fitness and training really shows up in all these sports, but tennis is his first passion.

“He also eats healthily. He likes his pasta and brown bread.”

Ewan is focussed on continuing to climb up the rankings and improve his rating. The higher ranking Ewan has, the more chance he has of securing funding towards the cost of his tennis equipment, training fees and travelling expenses.

Anyone interested in sponsoring this rising tennis star, email dandmmoore@btinternet.com