ITF

32 ITFWorld // WINTER 2018 THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY, THE ITF HAS ALWAYS BELIEVED THAT TEAM COMPETITIONS SHOULD HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN THE GAME. Whether that is Davis Cup or Fed Cup by BNP Paribas at the summit of the game, the 14-and-under ITF World Junior Tennis competition, or the huge list of team competitions on the ITF Seniors circuit, being part of a team and representing your country is a rare but immensely unique and positive experience in an individual sport such as tennis. It was back in 2016, during the first meeting of the ITF's Development Generation Task Force, when we began work on the project that would eventually become the regional 12-and-under team competitions, having recognised the benefits that such a programme could offer to players of that age. Tennis Europe had a similar programme targeting players aged 12 or younger for some years, but we felt that it was time to allow players from other regions to be given the opportunity to share those experiences. The programme launched in 2017, with regional qualifying followed by finals events. In 2018, once again there were a total of five regional finals and these were held in South America, Central America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia and the Pacific. How do the players benefit? An introduction to team tennis at a young age is hugely beneficial in giving players a sense of competing for something bigger than themselves. It helps players handle the pressure of playing for their countries in later years, when they graduate to ITF World Junior Tennis teams, Junior Davis or Fed Cup teams or perhaps even compete in the Davis Cup or Fed Cup as a professional. A player supporting their team from the sidelines is equally important – an individual sport can be lonely at times, and knowing that your friends and peers are cheering for you is a wonderful feeling. In terms of how the programme directly improves a player's game, having a captain alongside you at every changeover is perhaps the most important factor. It offers players the chance to begin thinking about tactics and their mental approach to the match with their coaches in real time, and an immediate opportunity to correct things that are not working. They learn so much about tactics and techniques, physical skills, nutrition and, very importantly, doubles play. On a wider level, the programme is of great benefit to National Associations too – captains and coaches have the chance to assess the level of tennis among young players in other nations, learn from one another, and share best practice. But the beauty of team competition extends far beyond the tennis court. Meeting new people from different backgrounds and cultures has long been a hallmark of the ITF's other junior team competitions, so it is wonderful that children will have an opportunity to do this at a younger age. ITF World Junior Tennis, Junior In 2017, the ITF introduced a series of regional team competitions for players aged 12 and under. Luca Santilli, the ITF's Executive Director for Development, reflects on the first two years of the programme D E V E L O P M E N T Mengezi Sibanda of Zimbabwe and South Africa's Jordan Georgiev YOUTH TODAY of The beauty of team competition extends beyond the court Action from the Pacific region

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