Youth Tennis Pathway
In the Mid-Atlantic
February 16, 2023
Important Updates to Youth Play in the Mid-Atlantic:
World Tennis Number has launched
USTA Mid-Atlantic youth play programs including all Junior Circuit and Junior Team Tennis incorporate the ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) to promote level based play. Players can click here to find their profile and results.
Players 13-18 will also have the opportunity to participate in standalone WTN High
School events. More details on these events are coming soon.
JTT Update and Championship Dates
2022 marked the final year of JTT National Championships. USTA Mid-Atlantic will continue to host JTT Championships at the Sectional level. There will be three JTT Championship events in 2023. At each Championship teams will be grouped by ITF World Tennis Number Ratings. Teams from programs finishing within 12 months of the Championship date are eligible to participate. The Championship schedule is as follows (dates are subject to change)
ADVERTISEMENTApril 22-23 - USTA Mid-Atlantic 12&Under JTT Championships (All levels) & Green Ball
July 23-24 - USTA Mid-Atlantic 14&Under JTT Championships (All levels)
September 23-23 - USTA Mid-Atlantic 18&Under JTT Championships (All levels/divisions)
What does the new Youth Tennis Pathway look like in the Mid-Atlantic?
USTA Net Generation Pathway programs are designed to introduce players ages 5-18 to competition with a focus on fun, teamwork, decision-making, and learning to compete. These programs align with the long-term athletic development principles of the American Development Model (ADM), which guides parents and coaches as their players develop, mature, and improve the health and well-being of tennis participants for a lifetime. These programs are called USTA Team Challenge, USTA Junior Team Tennis, and USTA Junior Circuit.
What is the Net Generation PlayTracker?
The Net Generation PlayTracker will help parents and players ages 5-10 navigate their development progress, replacing the current stars and trophies system. It makes it easier for players to track themselves through the Youth Tennis Pathways. Now, players will collect play and win points after playing in USTA Team Challenges, USTA Junior Team Tennis, and USTA Junior Circuit events. To learn more about the Net Generation PlayTracker, click here.
Click below to filter by these categories:
Team Challenges | Junior Team Tennis | Junior Circuit Events | Additional Resources
If you have questions regarding USTA Mid-Atlantic youth programs please email youthplay@mas.usta.com.
Announcements:
Mid-Atlantic Youth Play Webinar: Youth Pathway Overview
A USTA Team Challenge is an introductory program designed to give children of all ages a chance to develop their tennis skills through level-based play, without an emphasis on instruction or results, within a relaxed low-pressure team environment. A team challenge is 1-1.5 hours in length and can be created as either a single event or a series of up to 6 events, with the aim to provide play in a fun and social environment that highlights character and skill development.
Players can find and register for USTA Team Challenges at playtennis.usta.com/programming.
Junior Team Tennis (JTT) is the flagship junior program of the USTA that combines competition with the fun and camaraderie of playing on a team. It is a fundamental part of the USTA’s American Development Model (ADM) framework, which emphasizes engaging young players in a fun atmosphere and fostering positive relationships within a team culture. Mid-Atlantic players of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to play locally or play team events that progress to championships.
USTA Junior Circuit Round Robins:
A USTA Junior Circuit event utilizes a non-elimination round-robin draw format for players of all ages to gain match play experience in a tournament setting. This experience will encourage players of all ages to develop their skills through level-based play and demonstrate good sportsmanship. It is designed to be delivered as a single event, up to a half-day, with the objective of providing a competitive environment guaranteeing individual match play. A USTA Junior Circuit can be played with orange, green, or yellow tennis balls.
Players can find and register for USTA Junior Circuit events at playtennis.usta.com/tournaments.
For more tutorials on the new tournament registration platform, click here.
Guide to Junior Circuit in the Mid-Atlantic, click here
Additional Resources from USTA Mid-Atlantic
Commit to good sportsmanship and Take the ACES Pledge
Looking to try tournaments, click here to review Mid-Atlantic's Junior Tournament Resources
Additional Resources from USTA