Game, Set, Career for youth 13-18 years old
This program proposes using the skills and discipline learned through tennis participation to shape children into responsible and disciplined young adults, and instill human traits/characteristics such as integrity, self-esteem, confidence, and motivation. Moreover, we want to give young players tennis training on court; life skill lessons (i.e., being a team player, embracing fitness, and setting personal goals) off court; and, most importantly an introduction to career opportunities in the game of tennis beyond teaching and coaching.
The overall mission of this program is to positively impact young people by providing them with the opportunity to use tennis as a vehicle to life success and make tennis a permanent part of their life. Keeping kids involved in tennis is essential. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) states, “Those who play tennis are not only less likely to binge drink, smoke cigarettes and use marijuana, but they are also less likely to be overweight and to be at risk of becoming overweight.”
Interested players must:
- Be a middle or high school tennis player, 13-18 years of age presently playing on a Pinellas County high school team
- Demonstrate financial hardship and a willingness to improve their tennis game
- Maintain passing grades in school
Players will be grouped together on court according to skill and ability levels to ensure that drills and games are challenging but also lead to improvement. Covid-19 protocol observed.