VCU news

By Mike Porter

More than 150 fourth and fifth graders from Richmond will showcase their tennis skills on April 17 at the 4^th annual Young Aces Open at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Mary and Frances Youth Center.

Reporters are invited to cover the tournament between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Entrance to the event is at 120 S. Linden St., between the Cary Street Gym and Cary Street Field.

The Young Aces Open will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is organized by VCU’s Center for Sport Leadership and Lobs & Lessons, which was named the National Junior Tennis and Learning Chapter of the Year for 2011.

“The Young Aces Open provides youth with the opportunity to showcase tennis and life skills that they are learning through the sport: sportsmanship, etiquette, integrity and team work,” said Tina Carter, director of the Mary and Frances Youth Center. “Lobs & Lessons and Richmond Public Schools are working together to create a pipeline of tennis opportunities from elementary to high school so youth can incorporate tennis as part of their healthy lifestyle. Hosting the tournament at VCU creates a unique atmosphere where youth are immersed in college life and can visualize this as part of their academic future.”

The tournament is a partnership between VCU, the Richmond Tennis Association and Richmond public elementary schools to introduce students to 10-and-under tennis, which is team-centered and uses foam balls, smaller rackets and modified courts to boost a player’s confidence and to create a positive experience. Games will start after the opening ceremony, which includes a tennis exhibition from players on the VCU tennis team.  

Each of the 27 participating schools will send three boys and three girls to play mixed doubles. Each child will play an equal number of games, with no elimination. After the matches, children will go through various tennis challenge and educational stations. The tournament will conclude with an awards ceremony, with medals and trophies given to the top three schools.

The 2013 Young Aces Open is sponsored by the Richmond Tennis Association; VCU Foundation; Martin’s Food Markets; USTA/VA Tennis; Allen, Allen, Allen and Allen; McDonald’s; Wilson; and Escape Creative.