Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1537476
Development Junior Tennis Ini a ve The Junior Tennis Ini a ve (JTI) is the ITF's global programme that introduces children aged 14 and younger to tennis and supports na onal junior development. It provides opportuni es for kids to play for the first me, or return to the sport, and offers compe on for emerging talent. It is the springboard for the very best boys and girls to progress along the player pathway. In 2024, 138 na ons were part of the JTI and there was notable growth in par cipa on, including a 10% upli in the number of children involved (see graphic right). The ITF provides financial assistance to na ons to support the appointment of a Na onal JTI Coordinator and the purchase of tennis equipment. We provide access to an online repor ng pla orm and the ITF Academy, plus guidance from ITF Development Officers. Our Development Officers hold regular conference calls with Na onal JTI Coordinators and we offer them con nuous professional development via the ITF Academy, Note: 2023 figures revised upwards since publica on of 2023 ITF Annual Review 2,015 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND TENNIS CLUBS Up 11% on 2023 PLAYING OPPORTUNITIES AT 2,137 SCHOOL TEACHERS AND TENNIS COACHES DELIVERED SESSIONS Up 9% on 2023 315,921 CHILDREN INTRODUCED TO TENNIS Up 10% on 2023 138 ACTIVE JTI NATIONS GROWTH OF THE ITF JUNIOR TENNIS INITIATIVE 576,916 COMPETITION ENTRIES Up 15% on 2023 CUMULATIVE TOTAL OF building on the founda ons of five mandatory e-learning courses, as well as opportuni es to a end ITF Conferences. ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) The ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) is a free, real- me skill-level ra ng for singles and doubles which can be used by all players, from beginner to elite standard. Built on powerful technology, the WTN is a key tool for ge ng more people involved in the sport at the recrea onal level. It also provides a standard measure of playing ability which can be used for tournament entry instead of a ranking, making compe ve opportuni es accessible to more people. Expanding the use of the WTN around the world is a mul -year project for the ITF and we made significant progress in 2024. It launched in 27 more na ons during the year, among them Australia, Japan, Mexico and South Africa. In total, 73 of our Na onal Associa ons and affiliated Regional Associa ons are now ac vely using the WTN, and weekly ra ngs are We work with our member na ons to bring children and adults into tennis for the first me or to get them playing again. In 2024, the ITF supported interna onal grassroots development in mul ple ways. Participation 38 2024 ITF Annual Review