Midwest Youth Team Tennis program
Registration closes May 10 

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – The United States Tennis Association, in partnership with the Greenville Community Tennis Association, announces a Midwest Youth Team Tennis program for kids ages 10 and under.  Featuring the 10 and Under Tennis play format, which uses age appropriate equipment, court dimensions, and scoring, Midwest Youth Team Tennis makes the game more accessible and fun right from the start.  No tennis experience is needed, and participants quickly learn skills while playing in a team environment. 

The Midwest Youth Team Tennis program is for girls and boys entering grades K-5, and will take place: 

June 9 – July 14, 2013 (Sundays) 

•    Time:  6:00 – 7:00 p.m. (grades K-2); 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. (grades 3-5) 

•    Location:  Greenville City Tennis Courts, 100 Green Wave Way 

Register by Friday, May 10, 2013 

Interested families can visit www.midwestteamtennis.com to sign up and learn more about the league, including scheduling details.  For more information about signing up to play, volunteer, or coach, please contact program coordinator Suzie Brown at suzanne1119@gmail.com. 

Midwest Youth Team Tennis is open to girls and boys ages 5-10 years of age.  Beginning, intermediate, and advanced players are welcome to participate.  The program participant package includes the following: new age appropriate tennis racquet and ball, team uniform, Ace’s Kids Club fun pack, and a free one-year USTA Jr. Membership. 

“The USTA/Midwest Section is excited to about these local events that help bolster the success of the Midwest Youth Team Tennis program,” said USTA/Midwest Section Director of Junior Tennis Chad Docktor.  “The program will introduce more youth to the lifetime sport of tennis, and the local organization will play a vital role in its success.” 

Special Report:  More than a Sport – Tennis, Education and Health 

USTA Serves, the national charitable foundation of the United States Tennis Association, has released the results of the USTA Serves Special Report, More Than a Sport: Tennis, Education and Health.  Conducted among high school students, this is the first nationwide study to analyze the educational, behavioral and health benefits to adolescents who participate in tennis, compared to participants in other contact and non-contact sports, as well as those who do not participate in sports. 

Key findings include: 

•    Educational advantage:  Tennis players spent more time doing homework and were more likely to report receiving “A” grades; 48% of students have an “A” average and 81% say they will attend college. 

•    Better behavior:  Tennis players had significantly lower rates of suspension from school and other disciplinary measures; 73% have never been sent to the principal’s office. 

•    Community-minded:  Participation rates within extracurricular activities and community involvement were higher among adolescent tennis players; 82% volunteer in their communities. 

•    Healthier Lifestyle:  Tennis players reported lower rates of unhealthy behavior such as drinking, smoking, marijuana use and are less likely to be overweight or become obese. 

In general, the study shows that tennis participation positively influences the lives of U.S. youth across all socioeconomic levels. 

About USTA/Midwest 

Currently, the USTA/Midwest Section exceeds 90,000 individual members and approximately 1,100 member organizations.  It is the second largest section of the United States Tennis Association.  The USTA/Midwest Section consists of 13 Districts in the following states:  Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin as well as designated counties in West Virginia and Kentucky.  The USTA/Midwest Section offers recreational and competitive tennis for individuals of all ages and abilities.  Please visit www.midwest.usta.com for more information.