ONLY 1 WEEK TO GO TO ENTER THE SUFFOLK JUNIOR WINTER LEAGUE!!
WE ARE INVITING ENTRIES FOR THE 2013/14 Suffolk Junior Winter Tennis League. We aim to have another good winter season of competitive junior tennis. To build on the success of last year and to increase the range of opportunities to play tennis during the winter, we are extending the league to mini players from both club and primary schools. We are also delighted to announce that Elena Baltacha has agreed to be our patron this year – this is a fantastic boost for the league and great recognition for junior tennis.
For 11 – 18 yr olds the format will remain as last year ie teams will consist of two players who will each play one singles match and a doubles match. Teams will therefore only require the use of two club courts. Entries are invited from both boys’ teams and girls’ teams for the following leagues - 12/14/16 and 18 and under. A club may enter as many teams as it wishes in each age group. Where we receive sufficient entries in an individual age group, we will split the group geographically (ie East Suffolk and West Suffolk). This worked well last year. If we are inundated with entries (I am an optimist by nature!) we will either create a third geographical group (eg Central Suffolk) or subdivide the East and West Groups. We hope this approach will alleviate any concerns clubs may have about having to travel long distances to play matches and will therefore encourage more entries. All players must have a British Tennis Membership Number and an LTA Rating of 10.2 – 8.2.
We aim to start the league in September with the majority of matches complete in December. January will be used for rescheduled matches (ie where matches have been postponed due to adverse weather). We will pre-determine the weekends on which matches are to be played. It will be for the home team to select the day and time of the match, on the designated weekend, based on their court availability. Finals Day, ie the play off between the individual groups will be held on Sunday 16 February 2014 at Ipswich Sports Club 10am – 6pm.
For mini Red (5-8 yrs), Orange (8-9 yrs), Green (10-11 yrs) entries are invited from clubs and primary schools. Each team will consist of two players and the format will be as follows:
Mini Red: each player will play 2 x singles tiebreak (ie one against each member of the opposing team)
Mini Orange: each player will play 1 x singles (best of 3 tie breaks) and 1 x doubles (best of 3 tie breaks)
Mini Green: each player will play 1 x singles (short set to 4, tie break at 3-3) and 1 x doubles (short set to 4, tie break at 3-3)
Players must have a British Tennis Membership number and a mini rating. Matches will be held at central venues (we hope indoors) on designated days during September – December with up to 10 teams at a venue. Final details will depend on the number of entries. If you have a venue that would be suitable for use please indicate this on your entry form. Finals Day will, as for 11-18yr olds be held on Sunday 16 February 2014 at Ipswich Sports Club 10am – 6pm.
For all age groups the entry fee per team will be £5. There will be medals for the winners and runners up in each age group and a certificate for your club/school. Subject to confirmation of funding/sponsorship (we are currently working on this), winning teams will be awarded a cheque to enable their club/school to purchase tennis equipment for club/school use. Your juniors therefore have the opportunity to contribute to improving your club or school resources.
The idea behind this league is to help junior and mini players to continue to take part in competitive tennis during the winter months and, even more important, to enjoy taking part in a great sport. Suffolk LTA is committed to encouraging more people to take part in tennis and the Suffolk Junior Winter League is one means of doing so. We may not find the next Andy Murray or Laura Robson, but if we have made a significant contribution to more people joining in tennis we will have achieved a lot!
I look forward to receiving your entries (by 16 August) Entries for mini teams now extended to 13 September – Please help make the league even more successful than last year! If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please click here for an entry form!
Isobel Hunter,Project Leader, Suffolk Junior Winter League on behalf of Suffolk LTA
Email isobelhunter@btinternet.com