Ilkley prospect George Hill has been identified as a potential champion.

The ten-year-old has been selected to join the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) AEGON FutureStars programme.

This highlights the brightest up-and-coming talent in the country following a successful year on court.

Hill, who trains at Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, will now receive added support from the LTA.

Another player from the Bradford area who has been chosen is 13-year-old Serena Nash, who trains at Batley ITI (Indoor Tennis Initiative) Tennis Club.

The FutureStars programme recognises and supports some of the best juniors in England based on the individual player’s talent ID assessment for players aged ten and under, or rankings for all other age groups.

The talented youngsters have been chosen as part of the 2011-12 intake of players and will be part of a group of 477 top juniors from around the country who all receive varying levels of funding and support from the LTA.

Leon Smith, the LTA head of men’s and women’s tennis, said: “We are committed to supporting and identifying our most talented players.

“The AEGON FutureStars programme is central to this process for young players who are starting out in the game.

“There’s obviously a long way to go for these players. It’s a long journey for any player hoping to make an impact on the game but we hope that, with the right support, these players are given the best possible chance of reaching their full potential.”

Ian Murray, head of sponsorship at AEGON, added: “We’re delighted to continue supporting the LTA with the development of the most talented tennis players in the country.

“The support provided to the players through Team AEGON and AEGON FutureStars programmes is vital to their individual development and we’re proud to be investing in the future of British Tennis through these initiatives.”