Youth tennis in the Seattle area took a huge leap forward this year with the implementation of the QuickStart League over the 2010 summer. Sponsored by the USTA, Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Amy Yee Tennis Center, the QuickStart League brought tennis to 147 new youth players through 10 Seattle Community Centers.

This monumental effort was facilitated by Carl Bergquist, USPTA certified teaching professional and Seattle Parks and Recreation activities coordinator, who rallied over twenty volunteers to help run practices and matches throughout the summer. There were three league divisions and matches were spread over 7 locations throughout the city.

"It was amazing how the volunteers, some that had very little tennis background, stepped up and made this league happen,” said Bergquist.

Equipment was supplied through the USTA and every youth player was ensured balls and rackets to play with.

Bergquist also commented, “It was amazing to see the development of the kids and how quickly they were able to pick up the concepts. The sheer number of kids that signed up blew me away. I had [originally] estimated half that and even trying to give as many kids a chance, we still had to turn [many] away. We ran out of space so quickly.”

Parents and participants alike, were thrilled with the program and how it has opened their eyes to tennis. Quotes from participants were along the lines of:

• “I loved the scaled down equipment and courts. I also liked the constant movement - no [standing in] lines!”

• “I like its format and timing. It’s a wonderful program my son likes this more than the regular tennis lessons.”

• “Very effective way of introducing tennis to the children.”

• “The kids enjoyed playing more. The last two years they did more drills and had very little playtime. This year was much better!”

• “The league matches were great! It gives a chance for my daughter to be [a good] sport and [the] excitement of winning!”

The season-ending Jamboree, at the Lower Woodland tennis complex, was sponsored by Aces Tennis, the USTA and the Racquet Training Center at Sand Point. The Jamboree featured a massive round-robin match play and the kids hit for great tennis prizes from Aces Tennis. When asked in the final survey whether they would return again, every participant said yes and nearly 75% of all participants said they wanted to play tennis all the time! Now that's exciting to hear!

USPTA Instructor, Chris Samuel praised the format saying ~

“QuickStart Tennis really works! Many adults and some kids questioned the use of the smaller courts and lower-bouncing balls. Once they experienced the early success and longer rallies, the doubts turned into more fun and excitement. This is the BEST way to learn tennis. You know it's working when the kids don't want to leave the court after practice was over. They just wanted to keep playing and parents too!!!

Great job to all the volunteers and sponsors, but especially to Carl Bergquist who put one of the largest QuickStart Leagues together since its inception by the USTA.

For more information, please visit the new QuickStart website at: http://10andundertennis.usta.com/

Sponsor links are:

• Aces Tennis – www.acestennis.net

• The USTA - www.usta.com

• Amy Yee Tennis Center - www.cityofseattle.net/parks/athletics/tennisct.htm

• Seattle Parks & Recreation - www.seattle.gov/parks