Tips for parents
Being a sport parent can be challenging as you watch your child compete. How you handle yourself while your child is playing and competing in tennis, or any other sport, will affect not only their performance on the court but also their level of enjoyment and emotional well-being. This section is full of valuable advice and resources to help you navigate the ups and downs.
Getting Started
Get your child in the game
If you are considering tennis for your child, or they have just started in the sport, there are plenty of opportunties to help them make it a sport of a lifetime. Follow a pathway to find the right fit for your child.
Quality Standards for Kids Tennis
Quality Standards for Kids Tennis aims to raise the quality and consistency of children’s tennis programs to provide safe environments and positive experiences that promote life-long participation.
Start with progressive tennis
Progressive tennis introduces the sport of tennis in a fun and interactive way and ensures immediate success. Using modified tennis balls, racquets, nets and courts, young players are properly equipped to enjoy rallies and learn the fundamentals of the game early on.
Rogers First Set
Rogers First Set is designed to inspire youth and families in communities across Canada to try tennis and learn fundamental tennis skills in a fun, welcoming, safe, and positive environment. As players progress to the next level, the Rogers First Set Tour – Rookie and Rising Stars events provide players aged 7 to 18 with an opportunity to play competitive tennis in a fun atmosphere.
National Bank Little Aces
The National Bank Little Aces program is a player identification and development program for 6 to 8-year-olds. The program aims to improve the overall development of these young participants with the goal of retaining them in the competitive stream of tennis. This will lead to a much larger pool of young competitors, ultimately resulting in fostering a stronger U15 Canadian pipeline and increasing the number of Canadians competing internationally.
Being a parent of competitive junior players
As parents of actual or potential competitive junior players, it's our shared responsibility to create a positive and healthy competitive environment where young athletes can enjoy and thrive in the sport.
Player Pathways & Opportunities
Navigating the Whole Player Development Pathway
Understanding the various pathways available for your child within the Whole Player Development Pathway (WPDP) can make the overall experience simpler, and more relaxing. The early stages of tennis development are particularly important to ensure the right balance and focus for your child.
Make it a Family Affair
Learning together can be a rewarding experience. It’s never too late to develop new skills and support your child's growth in tennis. Embrace the chance to learn together, inspiring one another along the way. Who knows, this path could lead to career opportunities in the sport such as club management, event management, administration, journalism, or broadcasting.
