Valley Cup tournament series set for inaugural year

An all-new seven-part tournament circuit for men’s and women’s competitors is debuting within USTA Missouri Valley this year. The Valley Cup—a prize-money series with tournament stops in each of USTA Missouri Valley’s seven districts—kicks off July 11-13 with the Alton Open within USTA St. Louis.

The Valley Cup consists of seven Level 5 tourneys and includes a prize pool totaling $3,000. Tournament info and registration links for the seven events is listed below. The series is geared toward open-level players, and competitors of all ages are eligible to participate.

The Valley Cup builds upon the success of MoKanNeb—USTA Missouri Valley’s previous adult tournament series that featured four events—adding three more tourneys and involving each district in the section.

“MoKanNeb was a great series of adult tournaments that took place for many years and culminated in a prize-money award,” said Scott Howes, USTA Missouri Valley manager, adult play. “A lot of people looked forward to that. Nonetheless, it only took place in three different districts.

“So the thought process was why not do something similar and open it up to players throughout our entire section. Have all seven districts buy into it and provide some financial support in addition to the section. Give more players the opportunity to play and really have a chance at that carrot at the end of the stick with the prize money. The open-level players really enjoy that chase.”

Increased Play Opportunities

Participation in the Men’s Open and Women’s Open divisions for both singles and doubles—as well as the Mixed Open division—allows players to accumulate points toward the grand prize. At the series’ conclusion in mid-October, one male and one female will be declared Valley Cup champion and will receive prize money as well as a trophy. Individuals must be a USTA Missouri Valley resident to qualify for the prize money.

“Open-level players are always looking for more play opportunities,” Howes said. “They graduate out of their levels in leagues, so they have fewer chances of play opportunities than some of our moderately skilled-level players.

“Then again, the Valley Cup is open to everyone. You don’t have to be a 5.0 player. It just provides more play opportunities for all of our adult players, men and women, throughout the section. And it gets the number of players competing in our district tournaments increased, too, which we’re always looking to do.”

Howes cited the many health benefits of tennis as a reason to consider signing up for Valley Cup events.

“As we know, tennis is one of the healthiest sports you can participate in,” Howes said. “Adult tournaments are one of the options. You’re looking to do something healthy, tennis is your game."

Reasons to Participate

All seven Valley Cup events are USTA-sanctioned tournaments and require a USTA membership or light account for participation. Howes said down the line the Valley Cup could incorporate a bonus tournament as a playoff opportunity. But for now, he’s looking forward to the inaugural edition of the series and credited the USTA Missouri Valley districts and section staff for their support.

“The Valley Cup is going to be a nice, competitive answer, yet we’re going to make it fun and friendly for everybody to participate,” Howes said. “There will probably be giveaways at each of the tournaments. There are going to be players chasing the prize money. In addition, any points they receive while participating in this goes toward their USTA ranking.

“There are a number of reasons why someone would want to participate. This is a great opportunity for USTA League players to step out of their comfort zone and play a tournament. And why not make it a tournament where there are some incentives. We’re looking forward to many more years of the Valley Cup to exist, grow and be successful.”