10ANDUNDERTENNIS

Montgomery County Named "Target Market" in USTA Initiative to Promote 10-And-Under Tennis
USTA has designated Montgomery County, MD, as one of 20 "target markets" nation-wide to launch a major, multi-year initiative to grow interest and involvment in the sport among youth aged 10 years and younger, using scaled-down equipment, courts sized to fit, and games-based play that allows kids to develop skills and have fun right from the start. The majority of youth sports have followed this formula for years, using modified gear,courts and fields that give kids confidence and enjoyment as they develop and mature. MCTA is coordinating the efforts of a number of public and private partners to maximize our success!

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10-and-under tennis has many faces.

• School programs: School programs are off and running in Montgomery County public and private schools.  They take the form of Kids Tennis Clubs, either before or after school, or Lunch Time tennis.  To see how it's done -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLOvnc6c3jY .  If you are interested in starting a Kids Club or Lunch Time Tennis at your school, contact Elizabeth at efratt@mctatennis.org or 301 363 4506.
• Festivals: We held our first "10-and-under" street tennis festival in the heart of downtown Silver Spring last summer, with the active involvement of several players on the Women's Pro Circuit who gave their time to help kids have a fun tennis experience. Future festivals will be listed here.
• Play Days: Individual clubs and public parks both are organizing informal "play days" -- a great way for kids who are not quite ready for sanctioned tournaments to play tennis in a fun, non-threatening competitive environment. Over the duration of a few hours, a Play Day allows for kids to experience rallying, scoring and playing over a net in an informal competition. Similar to a swimming or track and field meet, players participate at their skill level against opponents of similar skills. Emphasis is placed on participation, effort and sportsmanship, as opposed to highlighting the achievements of certain players.  Spring 2012 dates/locations:  May 5th, 12th, and 19th from 1 - 3 pm at Wheaton, Cabin John and Olney parks (weather permitting).  Register through ParksPass  http://www.parkpass.org/Start/Start.asp?SCheck=34232244&SDT=41030.7418634259.
• Junior Team Tennis (JTT): MCTA's JTT program is a league for kids ages 8-18 that combines the challenge and fun of playing tennis with the educational and character-building aspects of team sports. Teams participate in either Intermediate or Advanced divisions in age-grouped leagues - 10's, 12's, 14's, and 18's.  Matches are scheduled for Saturdays or Sundays at facilities throughout Montgomery County. Click here to go to the JTT website page. 
• 10-under Tournaments:   Tournaments are one more piece in the "tennis pathway", though by no means considered an end point.   

• Training and Workshops:   Interested in working with young players, inclduing your own?  Attend a Quick Start Workshop - May 20th at Wheaton bubble (rain or shine), 1:30 - 4:30.  For $15, you can learn the latest techniques and games from one of the Mid-Atlantic's best trainers.  To register  http://www.mctatennis.org/shop/index.php?l=product_list&c=39.

To recieve email notifications on any of the above programs and opportunties, contact Elizabeth at efratt@mctatennis.org to be added to the TenAndUnderTennis distribution list.