Wimbledon’s ball boys and ball girls are an integral part of the Championships, but how much do they receive in compensation for their efforts? Here’s everything you need to know about the BBGs’ expenses and perks
The sporting world’s focus will shift to SW19 this week as Wimbledon gets underway. Some of tennis’s biggest names will battle on the famous grass courts over the next fortnight, with the likes of defending men’s champion Jannik Sinner, seven-time victor Novak Djokovic, women’s world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and British darling Emma Raducanu all expected to attract considerable attention.
Nevertheless, it won’t just be the players grabbing the spotlight in south-west London. Also capturing focus will be Wimbledon’s celebrated ball boys and ball girls (BBGs), who are tasked with ensuring all 675 matches run smoothly by collecting wayward balls and supplying players with fresh ones swiftly.
Wimbledon organisers usually receive around 1,400 applications each year from youngsters eager to become a BBG. Approximately 280 are then selected, with most aged between 14 and 17.
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In total, roughly 180 of those are Year 9 and Year 10 pupils from participating schools in the local area, with an additional 100 who worked at previous Championships invited to return for another stint of service. Working as a BBG can be a demanding task, with training for the role beginning in February, reports Wales Online.
Prospective candidates attend multiple weekly sessions at the All England Club’s training centre in Raynes Park, where they complete intensive speed drills, court exercises and written tests aimed at assessing their grasp of rules and procedures.
Former Wimbledon ball boy Alex Crockford, who worked at the Championships during the 2000s, said the preparation was far more taxing than many viewers realise. “The training was intense and very physical,” he told the Express.
“We practiced how to throw the ball perfectly to the players and how to stand still for long periods.”
From mid-May onwards, training moves to the grass courts at Wimbledon, with BBGs honing their abilities in full uniform as they prepare to perform before millions of spectators globally. Despite the demands of the position, they do not earn a salary.
Instead, they typically receive a payment of roughly £200 to cover expenses during the two weeks of tournament action. For most youngsters, though, the opportunity to work at one of the most prestigious occasions on the British sporting calendar is treasured far beyond any monetary compensation.
There are additional perks as well. BBGs are given free meals and refreshments while on duty and are permitted to keep their official Wimbledon kit, which is provided by luxury fashion brand Ralph Lauren.
The top-performing BBGs may also earn the chance to operate on the showcase courts such as Centre Court or Court One, providing them with an ideal viewpoint for some of the most important matches in world tennis.