Intramural and Interscholastic Programs
Providing an opportunity for students to play tennis for their schools with friends is a priority of USTA School Tennis. Intramural and interscholastic programs can be sponsored by schools, parks, tennis facilities, youth organizations, community tennis associations, National Junior Tennis Leagues (NJTL’s) or independent organizers. Offering a team tennis program is the best way to attract students and it allows them to play tennis with friends in a safe and healthy environment.
No previous tennis experience is required for program organizers or coaches and the USTA can help with training, funding, and start-up materials. Furthermore, for locations that do not have access to tennis courts, the league can be played on blacktops, cement multi-purpose courts, or gymnasium floors using modified court boundaries, transition tennis balls, and makeshift nets. The After School Tennis Organizer Kit is a great way to get started.
The following types of assistance are available to qualifying programs:
- Funding for development or expansion of intramural and/or interscholastic tennis leagues
- Support in forming student tennis clubs to foster playing opportunities year round
- Program formats, best practices and tips for coaches and organizers
- Assistance in acquiring needed equipment and supplies to start and develop programs
- Recreational Coach Workshops – Training for new coaches and program organizers interested in working with school teams
Contact the schools coordinator in your section for assistance with training, funding, discounted equipment and local tennis connections. USTA Sections and School Tennis Coordinators.
Additional resources and materials developed to assist your efforts to bring tennis to school children:
· Mid-School League Organizer Kit
· Middle School Best Practices