STOURBRIDGE tennis starlet Toby McCole will not forget his outing at the All England Club in a hurry despite missing out on Road to Wimbledon National 14 and under Challenge Finals glory.

After triumphing at the previous County Finals, the 14-year-old took to Wimbledon’s famous grass courts last week looking to be crowned national champion.

And while unable to emulate two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray in getting his hands on a title at SW19, McCole insists it has only fuelled his desire to come back to the iconic venue again to play one day.

“It’s unbelievable to be able to say that I’ve shared the same turf and facilities as the likes of Roger Federer,” he said.

“I’ve been to Wimbledon to watch before but I never imagined I’d get the chance to play here.

“The courts are amazing – I’ve played on grass once before but the quality wasn’t anywhere near as good as it is here.

“I’ve focused on enjoying it and taking the experience in, but of course I’d love the chance to do it all again.”

The Road to Wimbledon began in 2002 and has continued to expand, initially to India in 2014 before heading to China, Hong Kong and, most recently, Japan.

More than 7,000 juniors participate across England, Scotland and Wales, starting in club, park or school events before qualifying for the County finals and then to National Finals at Wimbledon.

Former British number one Tim Henman was also in attendance for Saturday’s finals day.

The Road to Wimbledon is a joint initiative between the All England Club and the LTA. There are two strands, County and Regional/International, which sees players in the 14 and under age group compete to earn the right to play at the Road to Wimbledon National Finals on the grass courts of The All England Club.