Larry Newton-led Omaha youth tennis summer pilot program serves up success

Larry Newton has spent around 40 years volunteering in the Nebraska tennis community, and he continues to find new ways to increase opportunities throughout the state.

Newton helped create a summer pilot program with Omaha-area high schools. The series included seven events this summer and wraps up on Aug. 8, with Newton hoping to expand it further in future years.

In this Q&A, Newton explains what the program is and how it got its beginning. For more information about it, contact Newton at larry.new@msn.com.

How did this get started?

This initiative began several years ago as a positive, low-key way to introduce young players to the USTA tournament pathway through Junior Circuits and WTN (World Tennis Number) Play 4 events. These formats give juniors a welcoming first experience with competition, emphasizing development, fun and appropriate matchups.

How are these events conducted?

Each event lasts four hours or less and is open to players ages 9 to 18. WTN events accommodate beginners through experienced juniors. Junior Circuits focus on creating a fun, positive first experience for new players.

All participants receive multiple matches in a continuous block of play. Newer players are matched with opponents of similar ability, while more experienced players are paired using WTN and other rating tools to ensure appropriate competition.

What is WTN?

WTN (World Tennis Number) is a global rating system, similar in concept to a golf handicap. It measures a player’s current skill level on a simple 40-1 scale, where 40 represents a beginner and 1 represents an elite player.

The rating updates regularly based on match results and is used to pair players with opponents of similar ability so matches are competitive and developmentally appropriate.

How many schools are currently taking part in this?

This year, the Nebraska and Omaha Tennis Association is piloting the program at six high schools: Bellevue East, Bellevue West, Skutt, Elkhorn North, Elkhorn South and Westside. Event proceeds are donated directly to the participating schools.