Junior Player Council: Shaping the Future of Youth Tennis in the Mid-Atlantic

Understanding the needs of youth tennis players and providing them with a direct line to express themselves and contribute to the organization and development of tennis programs is a vital component in creating high-quality youth sports initiatives. The USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Player Council was designed with precisely this goal in mind. USTA Mid-Atlantic recognizes that youth are not just the future of tennis but the present, and their input is invaluable. That’s why the Junior Player Council will be coming back for a second year to once again empower youth players and give them a direct voice shaping the future of tennis in the Mid-Atlantic.

The inaugural Junior Player Council received enthusiastic feedback from its participants, with players expressing their satisfaction. One council member shared, "I loved how I found that talking with the other players was so relatable. The leaders of the council were really great and so inclusive. I also liked the guest speaker opportunities we had." Another participant remarked, "I loved how the Council gave each member a unique goal to achieve. Each goal was tailored to address a specific issue, and I think our efforts were really beneficial to the Mid-Atlantic region!"

These positive experiences are a testament to the impact of the Junior Player Council, and they highlight the importance of giving young players a platform to share their thoughts and ideas.

The Junior Player Council Returns

The Junior Player Council is a collaborative advisory body that bridges the gap between USTA Mid-Atlantic and high school/collegiate tennis players. Council members are active in various youth and college tennis programs, including Junior Team Tennis, Tournaments, Wheelchair Tennis, High School Tennis, Tennis on Campus, and NCAA programs. The council serves as a catalyst for change and innovation.

The primary objective of the Junior Player Council is to facilitate an open exchange of ideas and discussions regarding USTA Mid-Atlantic Youth Programs. This platform empowers council members to advocate for their fellow youth tennis enthusiasts and actively shape the direction of youth tennis programs and services in the Mid-Atlantic.

Members of the council commit to attending monthly meetings spanning a six-month period, during which they collaboratively work on projects and initiatives. Serving on the Junior Player Council offers participants an excellent opportunity to volunteer and showcase their leadership skills. Moreover, the time spent on the council can be included in future college applications and resumes, highlighting their dedication to the sport and community.

Join the Movement

If you're 13 years old or older and the Junior Player Council sounds like an exciting opportunity for you, applications are now open until November 26, 2023. Don't miss your chance to become a part of this dynamic council and play an active role in shaping the future of youth tennis in the Mid-Atlantic.

Nominate a Rising Star

Parents, coaches, and providers can nominate an individual for the Junior Player Council. All nominations must be submitted to youthplay@mas.usta.com by November 17. In the email, please include the contact information for the nominee's parent or guardian so that USTA Mid-Atlantic can reach out to them directly with the application.

Get in Touch

If you have any questions about the USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Player Council or need more information, please email youthplay@mas.usta.com. We're here to support and empower the voices of young tennis enthusiasts as they continue to shape the future of the sport in the Mid-Atlantic.

Stay up to date with USTA Mid-Atlantic’s Centennial Celebration by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

This year USTA Mid-Atlantic, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is celebrating 100 years of promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Get involved and show your support for the next 100 years of tennis. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.