Rationale: Kids' day events are a popular way to introduce a large number of children to tennis in a fun atmosphere and in a relatively short period of time. With the great success that has been shown using the QuickStart Tennis format, it makes sense to incorporate it or use it, instead of the typical tennis carnival games and activities.
- Allows children to have a successful experience playing real tennis.
- Great opportunity to highlight QST programming going on within the community.
- Great kick-off event for USTA Jr. Team Tennis.
- The ability to move a large number of people though a limited area in a short period of time.
- People of all ages can participate.
- Showcases tennis as a true family sport.
- Easy to set up with less equipment than a carnival.
- Easy to train volunteers.
Proven where: This model was used at the USTA consumer launch of QuickStart Tennis in conjunction with ESPN the Weekend held at Walt Disney World. The USTA set up one court with six 36x18-foot courts and one 60-foot court. During the weekend, over 100,000 people came through the event. The tennis activity was the only activity that the entire family, including young children, could participate in. This model was also used at the Sony Ericsson Kids’ Day and with great success at the Dothan, Ala., Pro Circuit event. In Dothan, using four tennis courts that had six 36” courts set up on each court, the Dothan Tennis Association volunteers were able to introduce tennis to 500 school children!
Quote from the innovator: “This is truly the best way to introduce a large number of people to our great sport of tennis. Using the QuickStart tennis format at a large event, whether it be a kids’ day or a block party, allows entire families to take part in tennis together. Children will leave this type of event saying that they played tennis! What a great way to kick off a community USTA JTT 10-and-under season.” – Anne Davis
For more information:
Anne Davis
USTA National Manger Rec. Coaches and Programs
davis@usta.com
850-893-0014
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