A SCHOOLBOY who began his sporting life at Penarth Lawn Tennis Club, under the direction of the Vale Tennis Academy, has become a Wales-wide match-winner.

Eight-year-old Danny Mickelsen, who also signed up to play at Barry Tennis Club, aged four, returned to Barry after lifting the Welsh Junior Championships 8s and under trophy at the annual Tennis Wales event at the David Lloyd Tennis Centre in Cardiff on Tuesday, August 26.

Barry Island primary school pupil Danny, who practices at Barry Tennis Club, was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, aged two, but having been inspired by taking part in the tournament, in 2013, returned to again put himself to the test.

Danny has had individual coaching sessions from various coaches in the Penarth-based team, but has settled with Ben Coates, a Barry-based teacher who leads the coaching programme at Barry Tennis Club on behalf of Vale Tennis Academy, as his main coach.

The Welsh Junior Championships is regarded as the pinnacle of the mini and junior tennis calendar in Wales, and competitors of all ages travel to Cardiff from all parts of the country to test themselves against the best the country has to offer.

The competition was attended by children, up to the age of 18, from as far afield as Wrexham and Aberystwyth.

All competitors took part in a series of round robin matches before progressing into elimination rounds. Danny won all of his round robin matches, before progressing into the quarter finals in a tightly fought match which he battled to win 12 points to 10.

At 8 and under, matches are played as tie-break scoring to 10 points, with a win usually requiring two clear points, followed by a semi-final victory 10-4.

Danny secured the overall title with a comprehensive victory of 10-1.

Danny's parents and tennis fans Penny and Gary encourage Danny's involvement in tennis as the sport allows for regular blood sugar testing during matches, as well as providing the essential fitness elements required to promote good management of his condition.

Danny has been selected to attend monthly county training squads as part of Tennis Wales' talent development programme.

Mum Penny is in the process of qualifying as a tennis coach in a career-change from previous administrative roles, younger sister Grace, six, plays and is starting to compete more regularly, and younger brother Scott, two, already brandishes a racket.

Both mum and dad are active members of the Barry Tennis Club committee and are now keen tennis players themselves.

Danny's mum, Penny said: “We are so proud of Danny's success, not only because in itself it is a massive achievement, but because it serves as an example to other children with diabetes that there is no reason to let the condition hold you back from realising your dreams.

“Also it proves that you do not have to pour thousands of pounds into sports training at expensive, exclusive clubs in order to succeed. Most of Danny's training takes place at a local, community tennis club, where the emphasis is on having fun and reaching your potential under the direction of a great coaching team.”