Provincial and National Programs
Overview of the Programs
Through the U8, U10, U12 and U12 National programs young athletes receive high quality tennis training from Tennis Canada, and/or Provincial Tennis Association staff. The goal of these programs is to assist in the development of the U8, U10 and U12 international player competencies and norms. Striving to acquire international level competencies at a young age is a key area for player development in Canada.
U8, U10 and U12 Provincial Programs
Overview of the program
The U8, U10 & U12 programs vary in scope across the country. In general, these programs are held over weekends throughout the year. Each regrouping generally consists of one or two full days of tennis & fitness training. These programs are designed to augment the great work being done in the TDC weekly program, ultimately all partners working towards common priorities and objectives.
Young athletes will receive high-quality tennis training from Tennis Canada, and/or Provincial Tennis Association staff. The goal is to assist in the development of the U8, U10 and U12 international player competencies and norms. Striving to acquire international level competencies at a young age is a key area for player development in Canada.
On court coaching is only one aspect of a young athlete’s education in tennis. These programs will educate youngsters on many aspects of training and competing. This includes fitness, nutrition, injury prevention, tactics, strategy, mental training and parent seminars on dealing with a High Performance athlete and ensuring a well balanced approach to development.
These programs will not only improve developing athletes, but also improve the structure in place for the athletes. Promising athletes can be identified faster and nurtured more effectively. This along with the improvement in ability and numbers will improve the athlete’s ability to win national titles, international tennis events, enhance Canada Games performances and help improve chances to have players win an Olympic or Grand Slam Gold Medal.
Selection process for the provincial program
Players must display high levels of competitive tennis and athletic skills to be eligible for this program. Selection to the program will include skills assessments during the tryouts and include an evaluation of recent results national ahead of provincial (U8, U10 & U12).
PTC Feeder into National program
Provincial/Regional PTC programs act as feeders into either the National Jr. or full-time NTC training Program.
Selection for the provincial program is based on the following criteria:
- Coaches evaluation at the tryout
- Fitness Testing
- Competitive Results
Try-out dates vary by province but generally fall into the following time frames (July or September/October). Please contact your provincial association for specific details.
U12 National Team and Camp Program
OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM, SCHEDULE AND OBJECTIVES
U12 player development has been identified by Tennis Canada and its provincial partners as a critical area for the long-term health and well-being of tennis in Canada.
The overall objectives for this program are three-fold:
- Implement an effective national strategy for provincial youth development (8-12 years of age) – all levels of competence.
- Identify the top players & provide them with supplemental developmental opportunities (camps and international tours).
- Parental education and information sharing about the nature and scope of their children’s tennis interest.
CAMP AND INTERNATIONAL TOUR SELECTION GUIDELINES
Tennis Canada organizes National U12 camps. These camps are held two times a year (October, June). These camps are open to players who have been selected by Tennis Canada High Performance staff based on an evaluation of competencies/skills (physical, technical, tactical, psychological competitive – please see our Long Term Athlete Development Model (FUNdamental & Developing Stages) for a list of the competencies our coaches are looking for. In addition please see our Performance Levels for the performance levels our coaches consider, when making its evaluations for extending development opportunities.
In addition, Tennis Canada offers international development opportunities for a small group of identified athletes to compete among the best U12 players in the world. These opportunities will look to access clay courts tour where possible to ensure our youngsters are able to develop optimally for the long term. Tours may include travel to Europe, and the United States.