Just posted today on the USTA New England website, USTA New England and Skyhawks partner!

WESTBORO, Mass. – As part of its ongoing effort to introduce tennis to a new generation of players, USTA New England announced that it has formed a partnership with Skyhawks Sports Academy, Inc., a leader in conducting youth tennis camps.

Skyhawks Sports will team with USTA New England’s Community Tennis Department to create New England-based tennis camps and programs that will feature and implement the QuickStart Tennis format, which is designed to bring kids into the game by utilizing equipment appropriate to size and age, shorter court dimensions and modified scoring.

"Teaming up with Skyhawks Sports Academy is a tremendous opportunity for USTA New England, but more importantly, a tremendous opportunity for children to learn the game of tennis in a safe, structured and fun environment," said Deirdre McCormack, USTA New England’s Director of Community Tennis. "We believe the QuickStart Tennis format is an extraordinarily effective teaching tool, and our partnership with Skyhawks Sports Academy will maximize our ability to deliver that product."

Programs will be held through the following Connecticut organizations: Coventry Parks and Recreation, Enfield Parks and Recreation, Glastonbury Parks and Recreation, Haddam-Killingworth Parks and Recreation, Milford Parks and Recreation, Oxford Parks and Recreation, Rocky Hill Parks and Recreation, Wallingford Parks and Recreation, Winding Trails Inc. (Farmington) and Windsor Recreation and Leisure Services.

In Massachusetts, the following organizations will offer Skyhawks tennis camps: City of Marlborough Recreation, Westborough Community Education, Nashua Parks and Recreation, Millis Recreation Department and Stow Recreation.

For more on the camps or to register, contact Dennis A. Mannone Jr. (MA and NH) at 978-870-0135 or dmannone@skyhawks.com; or, Sarah Kelley (CT) at 860-344-0101 or skelley@skyhawks.com.

USTA New England, one of 17 regional sections that comprise the United States Tennis Association (USTA), is a not-for-profit organization committed to promoting and developing the growth of tennis and increasing participation in New England by offering quality recreational and competitive programs for people of all ages and abilities. USTA New England boasts nearly 33,000 individual members and 650 organizational members. For more information, log on to ustanewengland.com.

Skyhawks Sports Academy (www.skyhawks.com) is committed to providing a safe, fun and skills-focused experience for kids between the ages of 3 and 12. Skyhawks, established in 1979, is a national youth sports camp company with local camps throughout the United States. 　Skyhawks offers 11 different sports, including soccer, baseball, flag football, basketball, tennis, lacrosse, golf, volleyball, cheerleading, track and field, and a special multi-sport camp where, kids get to sample three different sports.

http://www.newengland.usta.com/sitecore/content/NewEngland/Global/News/Community%20Tennis/2010_01/Skyhawks.aspx

          When a child is starting a new sport, the parent, coach and even the child can lose sight of what is most important for the child to form a life-long love of the sport. Attitude is a main ingredient in producing a well-rounded individual athlete and a team that works together for success.       

In the parent involvement in their child’s sport, it’s very important they continue to have an attitude of support and encouragement. Supporting the child in the sport of his or her own choosing can help the child in the essential learning process. Staying positive and showing a real interest will aid in forming a positive outlook and attitude toward the team and the sport. Encouragement is a necessary ingredient in helping the child continue to have fun as he or she learns and grows to love the sport.

The attitude of the coach can set the tone for the whole team. By promoting good sportsmanship and setting an example for the team, a coach can help athletes learn to stay positive in a win or a loss. A coach shouldn’t dwell on the negatives, but build on the positives by being supportive about learning new skills. Coaches need give each kid a chance to succeed while teaching valuable life skills through sports.

The most important attitude is that of the child. Being built up through the example of the parent and the coach can help the child to have to fun and avoid the burnout that can arise from living with too much pressure. Young athletes need to learn the attitude of teamwork and true sportsmanship. Sports are not always about winning, but about meeting goals and working to grow into a healthy, balanced individual.

The benefit of a good attitude is that it promotes sportsmanship before, during, and after the game.  The child will learn self-respect and respect for others. If children have the support system of their parent, team, and coach, the stage is set for them to have strong self-esteem and to build a life-long love of their sport.