Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1119853
ITFWorld looks at one of the ITF's major development participation programmes, the Junior Tennis Initiative, and how it is benefiting the progression of talented youngsters in Guatemala, Lebanon and Kenya JTI – Global Key Facts and Stats 2018 • 256,377 (51% girls) children were introduced to tennis with a cumulative total of 260,050 competition entries (57% boys) • 1,476 Primary Schools and 978 tennis clubs provided playing opportunities, while 3,513 deliverers were involved in the provision of tennis sessions • 159 girls and 141 boys introduced to tennis through the JTI with an ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Ranking (since 2013) • 16 females and 4 males introduced to tennis through the JTI with a Pro Ranking (since 2013) • The ITF provided 221,204 balls (66% red, orange or green stage balls), 13,667 racquets and bats, 7,280 line markers and 1,584 mini-nets THE JUNIOR TENNIS INITIATIVE (JTI) IS THE 14-AND-UNDER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUPPORTED BY THE ITF. A national JTI provides opportunities for increased participation in tennis for junior players and identifies the most talented individuals for focused development within a particular country. Nations are first helped to set up competition and training for players aged 10 and under using smaller courts and slower balls. The most talented 14-and- under players from their respective age categories are selected to receive performance-based training and have access to national 12-and-under and 14-and- under competition. A total of 111 ITF member National Associations had an active JTI during 2018 and received assistance to support their national 14-and-under junior programme from the ITF. Across the previous calendar year, the ITF distributed over 220,00 balls and more than 13,000 racquets/bats to support nations with their respective programmes. This was in addition to the USD 380,000 that is used to subsidise National JTI Coordinators in each nation. MAKING THE GRADE Before the JTI was rolled out in Guatemala at national level nine years ago, children from outside the capital city had very few opportunities to play tennis. Through the JTI, the entire competition structure was redesigned so kids across the whole country had the chance to develop, compete and progress. It meant that players who did well in regional competitions qualified to contest national tournaments. Last year, there was one kid, Harold Ronaldo, from Mazatenango, Suchitepequez, who impressed during the 10-and-under competitions, and at the end of the year he received a scholarship to go to Guatemala City and train at the national training centre during his school vacation. At this stage, it is very difficult to measure the impact this experience has had on Harold, who comes from an GUATEMALA Cecilia Ancalmo ITF Development Officer, Central America D E V E L O P M E N T