Take a bow, boys and girls!

Like a blur of blue, they dart across the verdant grass of Wimbledon with incredible speed, collecting tennis balls one after the other. They stand poised at the corners of the court, hands clasped behind their backs, patiently awaiting a player's request for a towel.

They are the ball boys and ball girls of the All England Club.

They are undoubtedly noticeable. Nearly every errant serve sends one of them darting across the court, hastily and excitedly.

With each service change, they diligently roll the felt-covered balls from one end of the court to the other. During every pause in play, one of them is there, promptly offering a towel to a perspiring player.

And it is no easy feat. For an undeniably demanding work that they do, the remuneration at Wimbledon remains notably modest, especially considering the otherwise steep prices associated with the prestigious tournament.

According to Daily Mail, throughout the course of the event, these dedicated teenagers earn a total of £200 (Rs 18,213) for their efforts. They work in a high-energy schedule of one-hour shifts on, followed by one-hour shifts off. The scheduling is meticulously designed to prevent extended exposure to the intense July heat, thus sparing the ball boys and girls from prolonged periods under the punishing sun.

However, it is not uncommon for rising temperatures to lead to heat-related issues among court assistants. There have been instances in the past where ball boys and girls have fainted or experienced dizziness due to the extreme conditions. For example, in 2023, a fainting ball boy was attended to by British player Jodie Burrage. She provided the teenager with Percy Pigs and an energy drink to help him rehydrate before he was taken off the court. Such occurrences highlight the physical challenges faced by these young assistants amid the high-pressure environment of Wimbledon.

Despite these challenges, the vast majority of ball boys and girls manage to perform effectively under the intense conditions. Selection for this coveted role involves a rigorous process, with candidates undergoing extensive training to ensure they are in optimal form for the tournament. According to the publication Sun, out of approximately 1,000 applicants drawn from 30 selected London schools, 650 are chosen for further evaluation as early as February.

The ball boys and girls are instantly recognisable in their Ralph Lauren uniforms, which feature a distinctive combination of purple and green. The uniform itself is considered a significant perk of the role, providing a sense of prestige and camaraderie among the assistants. Despite the relatively modest pay, the opportunity to wear these distinctive outfits and be part of such a renowned event is a considerable incentive.

Moreover, the role offers the unparalleled experience of witnessing top-tier tennis from a unique vantage point. Ball boys and girls have the rare privilege of observing the world's best players in action at their home Grand Slam, an opportunity that is both thrilling and educational. This exposure to high-level matches from close quarters adds a priceless dimension to their involvement in the tournament.

While the financial compensation at Wimbledon may be relatively modest, the role provides them with a range of unique and rewarding experiences. From the prestige of their uniforms to the rare opportunity to watch elite tennis players up close, the position offers substantial non-monetary benefits. The demanding nature of the job, coupled with the rigorous selection and training process, underscores the significant commitment and skill required to fulfil this essential role at one of the world's most prestigious tennis tournaments.