Euromillionaires join consortium to put tennis prodigy through Spanish academy

EuroMillionaires Chris and Colin Weir have joined a consortium backing Scottish tennis prodigy Ross Tiree Wilson (15).

As part of the group of Scottish supporters, they have helped raise the £50k needed to put left-hander Ross through two year’s tuition at a top Spanish tennis academy – following in the footsteps of Andy Murray who was a similar age when he too made the move to Barcelona.

Born in Largs, Ayrshire, Ross was named Tennis Scotland’s Junior Player of the Year in December 2011, while his prodigious talent has been recognised by many top professionals including Greg Rusedski, Leon Smith and Judy Murray.

Hailing from the same hometown, the Weirs were delighted to show their support for such a gifted local lad. They said:

“Ross is clearly one of Scotland’s most promising young tennis players. He already has a tremendous array of trophies to his name and there is no doubting his desire and determination.

“However, getting to the top in any sport can be very expensive. His family deserves huge credit for the effort and commitment they have made to help Ross realise his potential. We are very happy to step in with the others within the consortium to help Ross progress one stage further.”

For the past three years Ross has trained under Judy Murray’s guidance at the National Tennis Centre in Stirling. But the motivation behind the move to the Spanish academy has come entirely from Ross, with the total support of his parents and coaches.

Ross is being accompanied in Spain by his father Stephen who has attended all Ross’s tennis engagements providing continuity of support on and off court, while mum Kerry and young brother Robbie remain in Largs.

Welcoming the news that the funds are now in place for his move, Ross said:

“I have been inspired by Andy Murray my entire life and to be going to Spain where he trained is fantastic. I am so grateful to everyone who has backed me, from my parents and my first coach, Kris Gray, through to Judy Murray, the Weirs and all my sponsors. I am fired up to make the most of this opportunity.”

Earlier this year, Carlos Martinez, a top Spanish coach said:

“Ross’s attitude and ability is one of the most impressive I have seen in a 14 year old boy. His ability to move around the court is incredibly natural. A willingness to learn, and skill in picking up things very quickly, was then demonstrated by him.

“With proper training and physical programme, he could be a top professional player. He was a pleasure to work with.”

Notes to Editors

• Ross Tiree has played for Scotland at U10/U12/U14 levels, and for GB 8 times at U12 & U14
• He won his first international title aged 12, the Tennis Europe U12 Boulougne-Billancourt in Paris. This is the leading Under 12 Tournament in Europe and Ross Tiree was the first British junior to have won it. Previous winners include Richard Gasquet and Gael Monfils who have become top twenty players.
• In 2011 he won the U14 British National Clay Court Championships.
• In 2005 he was given the Daily Record Sporting Hero Award, alongside Andy Murray,
• In 2006, Ross was offered a full scholarship to The Mouratoglou Academy and moved with his family to Paris for two years. Coaching Co-Ordinator at the Mouratoglou Academy, John Elliot said: “Ross has amazing perception and match sense. You can’t explain it, you can only recognise it. But you can see it in the first five minutes and I saw it in Ross. I have only seen it a few times in 20 years of watching kids play tennis. I saw it in Richard Gasquet at the age of 9, in Marcos Baghdatis at 13 and Martina Hingis at 11.”
• A full brochure outlining Ross Tiree’s achievements and career is available on request.

For further information please contact:

Elizabeth Lambley,

Indigo,

0131 554 1230

lizzylambley@indigopr.com