USTA NORTHERN UNVEILS COMMUNITY RED BALL LEAGUE PILOT

USTA Northern today announced the launch of the Community Red Ball League, an innovative youth initiative designed to introduce players ages 7–11 to team-based tennis competition in a fun, accessible, and community-centered environment.

Set to pilot in Summer 2026, the Community Red Ball League aims to bridge a critical gap in the youth tennis pathway—providing young players with their first structured competitive experience outside of traditional lessons, while emphasizing teamwork, skill development, and community pride. The pilot program will launch in the communities of Duluth, Minneapolis, Northfield and Prior Lake, before expanding to more locations in 2027.

“We see a tremendous opportunity to reimagine how young players experience tennis,” said Becky Cantellano, Executive Director and CEO of USTA Northern. “By introducing a team-based, community model at an early age, we’re creating an environment where kids can learn, compete, and most importantly—have fun playing alongside their friends. Tennis is a family sport, and this initiative provides the perfect opportunity for parents and kids to learn together." 

The Community Red Ball League is modeled after successful youth sports frameworks where players represent their local communities, are coached by parent volunteers and develop a sense of team and camaraderie over time. 

While tennis participation continues to grow nationally, many young players lack accessible entry points into competition. The Red Ball League addresses this challenge by offering:

• Community-based teams representing local neighborhoods and towns

• Modified match formats designed for beginner-level play

• Weekly practices and matches in a supportive, team environment

• Parent and volunteer coaching opportunities to build local engagement

• Flexible, low-cost participation models to reduce barriers to entry

   

The program, which anticipates 150-200 participants in year one, will be delivered in partnership with Community Tennis Associations (CTAs), parks and recreation departments, and local tennis providers across the USTA Northern section.

“We are thrilled to bring this program to Prior Lake for its pilot season,” said Jay Breimhorst, Vice President of Tennis for Prior Lake Athletics for Youth. “Too often tennis has lacked that 'neighborhood team' feel that kids get from other team sports. This league changes that, and gives our local kids a chance to wear their community colors, play with their friends, and learn a sport they can keep for life, all in a low-pressure, yet competitive environment.” 

USTA Northern plans to expand the program to 15–20 communities across the Section within three years, serving 600–800 youth players annually and establishing the league as a foundational entry point into tennis competition.

The long-term goal is to create a scalable model that:

• Increases retention of beginner players

• Strengthens local tennis ecosystems

• Builds a clear pathway into Junior Team Tennis and tournament play

• Supports USTA’s national goal of reaching 35 million players by 2035

   

Building Community Through Tennis

A core element of the Community Red Ball League is its focus on community identity and engagement. Players will compete alongside friends, represent their local areas, and build connections that extend beyond the court.

“Tennis is often seen as an individual sport, but it has incredible potential to bring people together,” said Aaron Holland, Director of Competition for USTA Northern. “This program is about creating that sense of belonging early—so kids don’t just play tennis, they feel part of something.”

Get Involved

For those looking to register in one of the four participating communities in 2026, information can be found at the links below:

Duluth registration coming soon
Minneapolis registration
Northfield registration
Prior Lake registration