Springfield Set to Again Host JTT Summer League

After a successful inaugural season last year, the fun and competitive Junior Team Tennis summer league returns to Springfield this July. The five-week league — which runs July 6 to August 3 on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. — features play opportunities at the 18 & Under and 14 & Under levels (yellow ball) as well as the 10 & Under division (green ball). Parents or coaches can register their team by clicking here.

“JTT is just a great thing for all players,” said Mallory Weber, USTA Missouri president. “Maybe you’re really good at tennis, and you want to play with some buddies at school who maybe aren’t as good as you. You actually can be on the same team. Or it might be your first time playing in a competition setting. It’s a lot less pressure than signing up for a USTA tournament, because it is non-elimination and you’re with friends.”

The USTA Missouri JTT summer league will take place outdoors at either Cooper Tennis Complex or Gillenwaters Park depending on the number of teams that sign up. For both the 18-U and 14-U divisions, each squad requires a minimum of four boys and four girls. Head-to-head matches will feature boys’ singles, girls’ singles, boys’ doubles, girls’ doubles and mixed doubles. Each of those matches is an 8-game pro-set.

At the 10-U level, squads will consist of a minimum of four individuals and can be a mix of boys and girls. Matches will feature four singles contests and two doubles contests, so participants get to try their hand at both. The scoring format is one set to 6 games.

Weber noted if individuals want to partake in the JTT league but don’t have a team to sign up with, she can assign them to a squad. The five-week session for 18-U, 14-U and 10-U costs $45 per person. The registration deadline is Monday, July 3.

“JTT is a great way to meet new people and maybe get new hitting partners,” Weber said. “It’s low-pressure. You get to play a team event. And actually get some competitive matches without it feeling like the pressure of going and playing a tournament. And it’s really affordable.”

Weber said last year’s all-new Junior Team Tennis summer league was the resurgence of JTT in the Springfield area after a dormant period. The league had solid participation numbers, and Weber is excited to expand upon the strong foundation by growing the league further this summer.