CLUB REGIONAL MEETINGS: Mini/Midi Circuit. Peter Farrell February 2007.

PARTICIPATION INITIATIVES ARE NOW AT THE TOP OF THE TENNIS IRELAND AGENDA..

PROPOSED MINI/MIDI CIRCUIT.

PLAYER RETENTION IS A RECOGNISED PROBLEM FOR TENNIS: “In the USA, 90 million people have tried tennis, but only 20 million still play….” (International Tennis Federation). “In the USA, 5 million people take up the game each year, and 5 million give up the game each year!” (Joe Dinoffer - Coach)

“Healthy, enjoyable easy to access competition is arguably the biggest contributor to retaining players in the game” (LTA Blueprint 2006).

The French Tennis Federation has a history of producing top players, and they view competition as so important that: “a French Club cannot be affiliated to the Federation unless it runs at least one open event each year..”

The ten most important reasons I play my best sport: 1. To have fun 2. To improve my skills 3. To stay in shape 4. To do something I`m good at 5. For the excitement of competition 6. To get exercise 7. To play as part of a team 8. For the challenge of competition 9. To learn new skills 10. To win Drs. Ewing and Seefeldt (sample of 3,900 primary school children)

WHAT CHILDREN WANT PROVIDED BY COMPETITION? TO HAVE FUN Yes IMPROVE SKILLS Yes tactical/psychological STAY IN SHAPE Yes DO SOMETHING I`M GOOD AT Yes EXCITEMENT OF COMPETITION Yes TO GET EXERCISE Yes PLAY AS PART OF A TEAM Yes CHALLENGE OF COMPETITION Yes TO LEARN NEW SKILLS Yes “how to compete” TO WIN Yes sometimes!

A MAJOR KEY TO RETENTION/ENJOYMENT FOR YOUNG PLAYERS: plentiful opportunities to participate in appropriate competitive environments…

COMPETITION WHICH FITS THE NEEDS OF THE CHILD TAKES INTO ACCOUNT: 1. Physical attributes of children (short matches) 2. Mental attributes of children (concentration span) 3. Lack of emphasis on results (more short matches) 4. The value of team competition 5. Use of correct equipment (ball, racquet, court).

Possible Formats: 5-7 years old : one tiebreak multi sport events -FUN DAY - basketball, soccer, hockey, olympic handball, MINI TENNIS, social in Clubhouse after years old : best of 3 tiebreaks 9-10 years old : 2 sets to 4 games, tiebreak final set