Mid-Atlantic Blast Tour
Takes Off in First Year
December 28, 2017
As the pros were jet-setting all around the world from tournament to tournament on the ATP and WTA tours in 2017, the top youth players 10 and younger in the Mid-Atlantic Section were competing on a tour of their own: The Blast Tour!
In the first year of the tournament series, the 2017 Blast Tour consisted of six green ball competitions for both boys and girls over the course of the year. While the destinations may not have compared to Paris, Dubai and Melbourne, Blast Tour events canvassed the Mid-Atlantic Section in locations that included Virginia Beach, College Park, Md. and Lynchburg, Va.
The Blast Tour not only gives these young players the experience of competition it also emphasizes the lifelong skills that come from the game. From round one to the finals, the tournaments focused on teamwork, sportsmanship and having fun by having players themselves nominate their peers for the best sportsmanship award and having off-court games and activities, which are all organized and run by USTA Mid-Atlantic staff.
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All players also compete in both singles and doubles at Blast Tour events, which helps kids develop new skills for their tennis game and make new friends.
“I can't emphasize enough how important doubles is to the experience and culture of the tour, and getting and keeping kids playing tennis in general,” said Rob Issem, 10 & Under manager for USTA Mid-Atlantic and Blast Tour organizer.
A focus on the fun and social aspect of tennis, in addition to player development and good competition, was certainly noticed by players and parents. In a year-end survey, parents rated their overall Blast Tour experience an average of 4.6 out of 5, and 100 percent of parents of kids who will be age eligible said they’re planning on playing in the 2018 Blast Tour.
The 2018 tour will kick off with the Australian Blast at the McCormack-Nagelsen Tennis Center in Williamsburg, Va on Jan. 27. If your child has been moving through the youth progression and is ready for Green Level 1 competition, the Blast Tour is a great option for tournament play.
Check below for the full 2018 Blast Tour schedule. Individual event registration is open on TennisLink.
Australian Blast
January 27
Williamsburg, Va.
Indian Wells Blast
March 10
Burke, Va.
Italian Blast
May 12
Boonsboro, Va.
French Blast
June 9
College Park, Md.
British Blast
June 30
Richmond, Va.
MAS Open (Capital Clash Qualifier)
Sept. 22-23
Reston, Va.
Capital Clash
Oct. 6
College Park, Md.
Blast Tour Finals
Nov. 10-11
Williamsburg, Va.
