The BVI Lawn Tennis Association took steps to establish junior rankings by holding a youth tournament at the Tortola Sports Club Saturday morning.
“It gives them something to focus on when they are practising during the week,” BVILTA Players’ Representative said. “It’s really about starting a grassroots tennis programme on the island and for the youth to get active.”
Mr. Bryson said it was the first youth tournament that the BVILTA has hosted, which will establish rankings for three age groups — under-10, under-14 and under-18.
After the rankings are determined a series of tournaments will be held throughout the year, which can shift the rankings depending on players’ performances. As of yesterday, the rankings were not available, according to Mr. Bryson.
About 40 youth players turned out for the tournament on Saturday.
“Initially we thought there would be 15 to 20. It is growing as we go,” Mr. Bryson said. “The more the merrier, we are just trying to fit the kids in. It is a little bit crazy, but we are trying to make it work.”
The event started with a 1,000-ball drop on a TSC tennis court. The junior players than scrambled to pick up the balls, before the tournament got under way.
The older divisions played in a bracket tournament, while the younger competitors played a more informal match.
The programme has seen growth through three volunteers — Carol Mitchell, John Calendar and Tim Robson.
“Through their connections with the kids we are able to get out the word,” Mr. Bryson said.
He added that the BVILTA’s Facebook page has also helped promote the association’s initiatives.
Ms. Mitchell was giving some of her players advice and tips before they played in the tournament. “Don’t eat or drink too much,” she warned several players who snacked on Girl Scout Cookies and sipped a sports drink. She said having the youth tournament is a dream come true.
“This is huge,” Ms. Mitchell said. “My dream is to see tennis grow in the BVI; my passion has materialized today.”
Ms. Mitchell is a tennis player and said someday she will stop playing and wants to stay involved in the sport. She started the East End Tennis Club in September and has attracted about 20 youth players from the area. The club consists mostly of boys between the ages of seven and 13. However, she is hopeful more girls will get involved.
About 10 players from her club were participating in the tournament and some of them were already off to a good start.
“Taslim Matthias has shown so much improvement,” Ms. Mitchell said. “He has that variation technique. I am so proud of him.”
She was expecting more of her players to excel in the tournament. Her next step is to host a tournament in East End.
“There are a few hiccups in the way of me hosting a tournament, but yes it is coming,” Ms. Mitchell said.
Saturday’s junior tournament was held prior to the finals of the NAGICO Tennis Tournament that was held throughout the week.
The winners of that event are as follows:
Mixed Plate Final — Kim Burns/Mike Burns beat Lyn Sorrentino/Lenroy Quashie, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3.
Men’s Plate Final — Paul Oliver beat Keith Thomas, 6-3, 6-2.
Women’s Plate final — Tanya Dean beat Heather Chapman 6-7, 7-6, 6-3.
Women’s Final — Rachel McDonald beat Musonda Poole, 6-7, 6-4, 6-3.
Mixed Final — Musonda Poole/Salvador Leanaming beat Linda Romney-Leue/Dion Anselm 7-5, 6-3
Men’s Final – Dion Anselm beat Mark McDonald 6-2, 4-6, 7-5.
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