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Some of the High School participants

Quick start in action

Scott Showing the volley

We are glad that you have logged on to the Vineyard Youth Tennis Website. I will personally be updating this site with the latest news and photos throughout the month. If you do not wish to have your child's photo displayed on the website, please notify myself or Nicole at the front desk and we will be glad to honor your request. Please check back periodically to find out what is going on at VYT. We also appreciate any feedback you may want to give, just send me an e-mail at the address on the staff page.

Scott Smith

Executive Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scott Spent last weekend at the 30 year Bollettieri Tennis Academy Reunion in Bradenton, Florida.  More than 300 former students and staff attended the cocktail party and reception. Scott also played golf in a fouresome with Nick himself!  Many present and past tennis stars were on hand for the gala. A special unveiling of a bronze statue of Nick was one of the highlights of the evening.

 

 

 

We now have a link that will enable you to view the VYT special that aired on the tennis channel last year.  The special highlighted our tennis program and features numerous interviews with parents and coaches.  Please visit it at: http://www.indietennis.com/pages/koz.vineyardyouthtennis.html

 

 

The VYT Scholarship Doubles Round RobinTournament will take place on February 6-8th.  This popular event will raise funds for the VYT Scholarship Fund that enables deserving children to attend tennis academies in Florida. The Fund also helps with tournament expenses for children who play off island USTA tournaments.  Although details have not quite been finalized, we once again hope to have a cocktail party and exhibiition, silent auction and demo day.  A round robin within each group will be the format so you are only required to play during your time slot. A whole weekend commitment is not needed.  More information forthcoming.

 

 

We will be holding a Thanksgiving Junior Tennis Tournament on Friday, November 28 for those children that will still be on the island. The following age divisions will be available.

 

 

 

 

 

Can't get enough tennis tips or lessons? Visit Scott's USPTA Website at http://www.scottsmith.upsptapro.com. . Go to the "Tennis Tips" section as the tips change each week. Hope you enjoy.

 

  

COMPETETIVE GROUP DESCRIPTIONS

At VYT we offer all levels of play and competition.  Most groups are comprised of children who want to learn the game of tennis and are happy with the fun and social aspect of tennis.  However, there are those children that seek the more serious and competitive side of the game and the following groups are offered at the discretion of the pros.

 

FUTURE TEAMERS

This group is for children ages 8-12 who have shown a love for the game and have displayed some sort of potential to the pros. This group has an emphasis on game type situations and concentration on proper scoring, etiquette and sportsmanship. This group meets on Wednesdays from 4-5:00 and Sundays 3-4:30. An invitation from the Professional Staff is required to join this group.

 

B Team

Most of the children in this group have demonstrated a competitive nature and are beginning to play local tournaments as well as off island tournaments. The majority of these children are under the age of twelve as they are preparing to go into the High School Group or of course tryout for the High School Team.  Ages are mostly 9-12 years of age.  Yearly or bi-yearly tryouts are available depending on availability and a tournament is held to see which players will advance to the A Team. B Team meets from 5-6:00 Wed and Saturdays 10-11:00 am.

 

A Team

 The children are mostly tournament level players and have the skills such as power, placement and footwork that are a step above the B Team.  Tryouts are held annually to replace A Teamers who move on to the High School Team.  Ages are mostly 10-14 years of age.  A Team meets on Wed 6-7:00pm and Saturdays 11- noon.

 

Tournament Team 

These children are selected by the Pros to represent VYT in local and off island competitions. These children represent the best of VYT and show the most promise. Just because you play tournaments, does not mean that you will be selected for the Tournament Team. Footwork, motivation, ability to hit all shots, proper grips, etc are a priority.  This class meets for an additional two hours after the A Team on Saturdays (Selected by the pros)

Although attendance and participation in all VYT events is a great asset, the above teams are strictly based on ability level only.  Boys and girls are all treated equally and results are what count in these groups. Competition is what it is all about and we hope that this enhanced competition atmosphere will take more of our players to the next level.