Wrexham children invited to take part in our Match Point Commentary Challenge

Pictured: Mimi Xu, the Lexus Wrexham Open champion, interviewed on court following her victory in last October's final by Rose Courteen, the presenter of the Wrexham Ready Podcast.

Wrexham children have the opportunity to enter a tennis commentary competition in the countdown to this year's Lexus Wrexham Open tournament.

The Match Point Commentary Challenge, open to all learners in Years 5 to 8 in the Wrexham area, is an exciting multimedia competition, with prizes to be won. Working individually, or in teams of three, children are invited to take on the roles of sports journalists, commentators and production crew to create a 'live' commentary of the final game of last year's singles final.

That proved to be a special day for Welsh tennis as rising star Mimi Xu, from Swansea, was crowned as our first champion after getting the better of Mika Stojsavljevic in an entertaining all-British final.

Dave Courteen, tournament promoter for the Lexus Wrexham Open, said: "We are always looking for new and exciting ways to involve all ages of the local community and are delighted to have launched the Match Point Commentary Challenge.

"It's a fun competition that will see the children scripting, rehearsing and delivering a realistic 'live' sports commentary either through working individually or in teams of three.

"They can use digital equipment and platforms available in their schools to record, edit and produce a multimedia commentary.

"We are looking for them to create entries lasting five minutes, designed to be watched or listened to as if they are covering the event as it happened."

The winners will be announced during this year's tournament - part of the ITF World Tennis Tour - which will be played on the indoor courts at Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre between October 18-25.

Dave added: "The Match Point Commentary Challenge is a great way for local children to really express themselves, be creative and learn new skills.

"Jonathan Overend, a leading tennis commentator on both television and radio, recently shared some great commentary advice about the competition on our Wrexham Ready Podcast.

"Jonathan and broadcaster Catherine Whitaker, part of The Tennis Podcast team, have kindly agreed to be judges.

"The winners will receive £500 for their schools - there will be both Welsh and English language winners - as well as individual prizes for the children of £50, so we look forward to watching and listening to all of the entries."