This April, the Connecticut Alliance for Tennis + Education (CATE) held a kick-off meeting for the inaugural Connecticut Alliance Junior Board, which includes 12 exceptional teen varsity tennis players from Fairfield County. The students were select- ed in a competitive vetting process by both CATE board members and recommendations from local high school varsity tennis coaches.
The Connecticut Alliance was formed by a group of enthusiastic tennis players who wished to support the incredible efforts of the Community Tennis Associations in under-served Connecticut neighborhoods. Connecticut’s Community Tennis Associations are currently serving over 1,000 children each year through their programs in Bridgeport, Danbury, New Haven, Norwalk and Stamford. Aside from on-court instruction and competitive play, programs provide academic support, life skills coaching, nutrition education, educational field trips and college and career counseling.
According to Connecticut Alliance Co-Director, Mary Stichter, “Tennis is a wonderful sport to bring to at-risk kids. Aside from the obvious benefits of exercise, teamwork and goal setting, these tennis programs provide the children with a safe place where they are exposed to positive adult role models. These community tennis programs work in our most economically challenged Connecticut communities and provide a path to success for the children living there.”
CATE Junior Board members have been asked to raise awareness of the Connecticut Community Tennis Programs among their peers by:
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Organizing a School/Team CATE Awareness Campaign
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Writing an article for their school newspaper, or contact the local paper
Editor to suggest a story.
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Planning a healthy snack drive for program participants.
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Planning an equipment drive within their school or club.
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Organizing a group of teammates to work on the court with the children
of any of the five tennis programs.
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Hosting a tennis carnival for the kids at their home courts or a local
club.
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According to Co-Director Amy Sheffield, “It’s wonderful that kids at this young age can support grassroots tennis programs that positively influence a child’s life. It can make the difference between a child dropping out of high school or going on to earn a college degree.”Junior board members are an important extension of the Alliance organiza- tion. Each junior member will be actively involved in a project that pro- motes awareness and raises vital resources to support Grassroots tennis programs. In addition, the junior board will assist with organizing and co- ordinating this year’s Pro-am Tournament and Junior Showcase and Clinic.
“As the Pro-Am event has grown in popularity, we have more people at-
tending each year over the next. Support from the Junior Board members
will only improve on the event’s success and outcome that continues to flourish with each year.” added Amy Sheffield.
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The 2016 Connecticut Alliance Junior Board
Back row L-R: Jack Ramsay, Harry Walker, Hayden Sharnsky, Bobby Neuner, Chris Greene, Caroline Gordon
Front Row L-R: Charles Brossy, Emily Neuner, Karina Toub, Abby Crowley, Luke Crowley
Jack Ramsay Bobby Neuner Emily Neuner Abby Crowley Luke Crowley Chris Greene Harry Walker Hayden Sharnsky Eric Toub
Karina Toub Caroline Gordon Charles Brossy
Greens Farms Academy Darien High School Darien High School
New Canaan High School New Canaan High School New Canaan High School King Low Heywood Fordham Prep Greenwich High School Greenwich Academy New Canaan High School Saxe Middle School
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USTA Foundation and CATE Greenwich Pro-Am & Gala August 25- 26
For two exciting days, tennis legends, America’s rising stars and amateur enthusiasts gear up to compete in the sport they love for the benefit of our youth. Help us change the lives of youth participating in our Connecticut tennis and education programs in Bridgeport, Danbury, New Haven, Norwalk and Stamford.
August 25
2:00 – 5:00pm - Competitive Junior Clinic
This competitive junior clinic and showcase for ages 12+ will be staffed by the top coaches from USTA Player Development. Coaches Nick Bollettieri, Martin Blackman, and Tom Gullikson are scheduled to instruct. Our area’s competitive playing youth are invited to learn from the pros who teach America’s best Juniors. Players will learn more about top tier play, gain valuable instruction and leave with a report of ideas for improvement. Click here for more information
August 25
5:30 pm - Cocktails and Gala Dinner
Guests will enjoy a gourmet dinner in the picturesque surroundings of The Stanwich Club. Past Gala guests include James Blake, Dick Gould, Mike Greenberg, Patrick McEnroe, and Mats Wilander. Click here for more information
August 26
10:00 am - Pro-Am
Featuring a doubles round robin format where amateurs will trade backhands and re- turn serves with some of America's rising stars and past champions. Pros who have come out to play and supported this Pro-Am in recent years include John and Patrick McEnroe, Chris Evert, Jim Courier, Mardy Fish, Mary Carillo, Martin Blackman, Louisa Chirico, Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys, Reilly Opelka, and Frances Tiafoe.