Tennis, like other youth sports, can play an important role in the development of our children. Tennis, much like life, can be exciting yet frustrating, inspiring yet challenging. It can be the catalyst for developing life-long relationships and opening children's minds to the world around them.ĘTennis has the capacity to not only instill character, but to ultimately reveal it.

Understanding the role that tennis plays in a young person's life is critical to helping parents and coaches achieve what may be the most important goal of all - instilling a passion for doing one's best and making the most out of one's potential. Fostering a passion for tennis will in turn help develop the confidence to deal with life's tests. The lessons a child learns on the court will be remembered for the rest of his or her life.

As an adult associated with tennis, whether as parent, coach, official or volunteer, you have a tremendous responsibility to insure that you are a positive influence on our young players. Ask yourself, "What is important about this game?" Your answer will help you keep tennis in its proper perspective.

Youth sports face many challenges. There is no more important time than the present for us to become leaders in making tennis a model for other youth sports programs to follow. Junior tennis can serve as a proud, respectful, competitive vehicle to help children enjoy their lives. We are all ambassadors of this great sport. Please do the best you can. Honor the game.

Yours in tennis,

Jim Coyne Director of Junior Tennis

Bill Patton Chairman, Junior Council