SPORTIME World Tour Stops in Desert For Indian Wells Event
To showcase the development and progress of its junior tennis players in a fun atmosphere, SPORTIME’s World Tour Series continued earlier this spring as SPORTIME Port Washington/John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) Long Island hosted an Indian Wells-themed tennis carnival.
“The goals and objectives of the World Tour is to expose as many of our youth players as possible to competition in an inviting and encouraging environment,” said Matt Orobana, the Director of JMTA Mac Red and Orange Ball Programs. “Sometimes the idea of registering for a tournament and being on your own out on the court can be intimidating, especially at such a young age. These events are the perfect way to expose our players to a less competitive tournament format with the hope that they will be inspired to get out on the courts and play even more tennis.”
While the primary intent is to encourage these young players to play more competitively or begin to participate in a tournament, the World Tour provides a one-of-a-kind afternoon experience that reinforces how fun tennis can be.
“Most importantly we aim to provide a fun and exciting tennis experience for our players to foster a love for the game that we hope they carry on for life,” Orobona added.
When players arrive on-site, they check in at the registration desk where they have their photo taken and they receive their customized player passport to give the kids the feel of participating in a professional event.
The coaches run out with the players, broken up by age and level, onto the courts as all the parents cheer them on, and the coaches then guide the players through different drills and games. Parents are able to look on and witness how much their child has progressed.
“I’ve been playing tennis for almost two years now,” said Ava. “I loved playing Queen of the Court today.”
Off the court, the players and their families are able to enjoy catered food, a bounce house, music, photo ops and more which creates a festive atmosphere. The on-court tennis and off-court entertainment helps reinforce how fun tennis can be.
“As I speak with some parents during and after the event, I find the feedback to be overwhelmingly positive,” said Orobona. “Everyone is extremely appreciative that we go to such lengths to provide events like the World Tour for our youth players. The combination of time showcasing their skills on the court mixed with the social element of the food and other fun ensures that no matter the level, there is something for everyone at the World Tour.”
The World Tour will continue to span the globe this spring, with SPORTIME Bethpage hosting a Rome-themed event in early May, followed by a French Open and Paris-themed one at the John McEnroe Tennis Academy at SPORTIME Randall’s Island on Saturday, June 6.
“This Indian Wells event was the largest World Tour to date, and I think everything went incredibly well. SPORTIME Port Washington has a fantastic team on both the administrative and coaching side,” Orobona concluded. “Things went exactly to plan and I have the amazing team there to thank for how smooth this whole event went.”
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