My name is Luke Savill and I am 14 years old. I live in Maidstone and go to Oakwood Park Grammar School. I first started playing table tennis when I was on holiday about 5 years ago and joined a local club. My first big achievement was winning the Kent Schools Individual Championships and representing Kent when I was 10 in the National Schools Championships. Table tennis became my passion from then onwards and I train every night of the week to try and reach my ambition of a career in table tennis. I have been selected to represent England at a number of tournaments and last summer trained in China.

Most memorable sporting achievement to date

Being selected to represent England at the European Championships last July 2013.

Biggest sporting disappointment to date

My biggest sporting disappointment to date was losing by the smallest possible margin in the National Cadet Championships in November when I had four match points to win!

Most respected sportsperson

I really admire Vladimir Samsanov as he has had a long and successful table tennis career.

Ritual before sporting competition

I like to eat a banana before a important match to give me an extra burst of energy.

“I am extremely grateful to the Kent Trust for Youth Sport for their help over the past three years. It has been crucial in my development and without it I wouldn’t have been able to attain the level I currently am.

Firstly I used the funding to have some personal coaching which enabled me to progress further and quicker. It also meant that I could have a coach at a couple of tournaments to give me tactical advice and confidence.

To progress to the next level in table tennis it was important to gain some international exposure. The funding I received allowed me to attend training in Sweden and also compete in several Junior International tournaments such as the French, Czech and Polish Open. This enabaled me to gain international ranking points and move forward with my table tennis internationally.

I hope to make a career out of table tennis and this year I am playing in a German League to gain more exposure to the international game. I have also competed in the Senior Swedish International and shortly will be playing in Finland. Without the help and support from the Kent Trust for Sport over the last three years my ambitions to achieve these levels and experiences would not have been possible.

Thank you very much Kent Trust for Youth Sport.”