The 13-year-old has returned from a week-long tournament where he was a member of NSW Country’s 13 and under Foundation Cup side who won the Australian Country Championships.

Played at West Lakes Tennis complex in Adelaide, Wilkinson was No. 2 in a NSW side that went through the week undefeated.

The Australian Made Red Energy Foundation Cup gives children 13 and under from across rural and regional Australia the opportunity to participate in competitive tennis at the highest level.

“The Australian Made Red Energy Foundation Cup celebrates local talent,” said  Australian Made Campaign chief executive Ian Harrison.

“And Australia has a lot to be proud of.

“We produce some of the best quality products in the world.

“And our home-grown athletes are no exception.”

In the final NSW defeated Queensland four matches to two.

Wilkinson was one of only two players in the NSW team who went through the playoff series and the final undefeated.

Wilkinson was informed of his selection at the end of 2017.

It was based on his Australian ranking points, where he is currently ranked No. 5 in NSW for his age and No. 19 in Australia.

When asked about the week long tournament Wilkinson said “ It was a great experience and especially being involved in a team environment where everyone supported each other with the experience of a manager being involved.”

Wilkinson’s coach Dale Martin added: “The week was a great learning curve for Cooper.

“And his call into the NSW country side was well-deserved recognition for the hours he spends training on and off court.”

“Cooper follows a long line of Gunnedah junior tennis players who have represented NSW in Foundation Cup over recent years.”

Those players include Gabby O’Gorman, Emily Osmond, Shaylee Martin and Andrew Osmond.