A teenage tennis ace has shared her dream of becoming the "next Alfie Hewett" after receiving a boost from a familiar face among Norwich City fans.

Born and raised in Norwich, Georgia Routledge has spent much of her life playing against able-bodied competitors, despite having cerebral palsy on her right side.

Norwich Evening News: Georgia won two medals at a competition in Sweden earlier this yearGeorgia won two medals at a competition in Sweden earlier this year (Image: Denise Bradley)

Now the 19-year-old is hoping to inspire a generation of children as she becomes the first British female Para-Standing Tennis player. 

Georgia said: "I never think of myself as having a disability.

"I get frustrated sometimes because I wonder why I can't do things as quickly as some other players.

"But I don't let it stop me. I want to win."

Norwich Evening News: Georgia grew up in Norwich and attended Thorpe St Andrew SchoolGeorgia grew up in Norwich and attended Thorpe St Andrew School (Image: Denise Bradley)

Para-Standing Tennis is a category for people with physical disabilities who play without using a wheelchair.

This year, the 2024 Para-Standing Tennis World Championships will be officially supported by the International Tennis Federation for the first time. 

Georgia, who grew up in the city centre and attended Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form, will be competing in both the world and European championships. 

Norwich Evening News: Georgia and her coach Donna AndrewsGeorgia and her coach Donna Andrews (Image: Denise Bradley)

She said: "I took part in a competition in Sweden earlier this year and came back with a gold medal in both the singles and doubles tournaments.

"I'm looking forward to this year's competitions and I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to compete in the Paralympics."

Georgia's story has captured the attention of former Canaries sporting director Stuart Webber and his wife Zoe, who is executive director at Carrow Road.

Norwich Evening News: Stuart and Zoe Webber are supporting Georgia through their charity, The Summit FoundationStuart and Zoe Webber are supporting Georgia through their charity, The Summit Foundation (Image: Denise Bradley)

The pair are supporting her through their charity The Summit Foundation, for which Stuart is preparing to climb Mount Everest, and regularly attend her training sessions on weekends.

Mr Webber said: "We are delighted to support Georgia as she embarks on her journey in Para-Standing Tennis.

"It’s amazing that these opportunities are now forthcoming but for Georgia to compete at this level she needs backing from within our community, we hope other groups, individuals and organisations will be able to support her fundraising too.

"We firmly believe that sport is for all and we wish Georgia every success."

Georgia is also being coached by Donna Andrews, the former mentor of Norwich-born wheelchair tennis star Alfie Hewett, and even trained with Alfie as a child.

"I started out as a ball girl for my older sister," she said.

"And one day my dad asked Donna if I could join in.

Norwich Evening News: Wheelchair tennis star Alfie HewettWheelchair tennis star Alfie Hewett (Image: PA)

"I'm proud of myself for where I am but I want to go right to the top.

"Alfie inspired me. And now I want to inspire children to believe anything is possible.

READ MORE: Second phase of hospital's plan to cut waiting lists approved

"This year's championships will also have just 10 women and 90 men. So I want to inspire young women to get involved as much as possible.

"You should never give up on your dreams."

Norwich Evening News: Georgia training at the David Lloyd fitness centre in HellesdonGeorgia training at the David Lloyd fitness centre in Hellesdon (Image: Denise Bradley)

Georgia will compete at the European Championships in Barcelona between June 15 and 17.

READ MORE: Debenhams demolition faces backlash from heritage group

She will then fly to Turin for the World Championships between June 20 and 23.

'A fantastic role model' 

Georgia's coach, Donna Andrews, described her as a "role model" to younger children with disabilities. 

"I've been training Georgia for 13 years and she's never missed a session," she said.

"She's fantastic and I'm so proud of her.

Norwich Evening News: Donna said she has been inspired by Georgia's storyDonna said she has been inspired by Georgia's story (Image: Denise Bradley)

"She always has a smile on her face and I haven't seen her complain once.

READ MORE: Flooding concerns holding up controversial housing plans

"She has never wanted anyone to go easy on her - even when she's coming up against able-bodied players. 

"Inside, she's so competitive.

"Georgia inspires me every day I see her and she's a fantastic role model for young people."