The Brandon Tennis Association is pictured with members of USTA Northern and David Slade from USTA National.
The USTA announced today that the Brandon Tennis Association (S.D.) has been selected as the 2008 National Community Tennis Association of the Year. It will be honored before more than 600 community tennis leaders at the annual USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop held on February 14, 2009, at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island, S.C.
For video about the Brandon Tennis Association, please click here.
“It was just three years ago that we decided to become a CTA. We not only had to advocate for the idea of these tennis courts, we had to advocate for the idea of tennis to the community,” said Becky Blue, President of the Brandon Tennis Association. “We are delighted that our organization has been recognized for our cooperative efforts and for growing the great sport of tennis throughout the Brandon community.”
The Brandon Tennis Association (BTA) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that has grown rapidly from a group of interested parents and players in the summer of 2005 to the vibrant, player-driven organization it is today. The mission of the BTA is to grow tennis in the community, providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn, play and compete.
Working in cooperation with the Brandon City Council and the Brandon School District to help make its vision a reality, the BTA spearheaded an effort to develop an eight-court tennis complex complete with four new tennis courts, four refurbished courts and an 800-square-foot welcome center. For the project, the group raised more than $200,000 including almost $60,000 from the USTA through grants, and was extended $120,000 by the Brandon school board and $80,000 from the city of Brandon.
Upon opening in June 2007, adult leagues and summer tennis opportunities for junior players were developed through Jr. Team Tennis programs. The new courts also allowed the Brandon School District to implement a no-cut policy for all of its after-school tennis programs. One indication of the BTA’s success is the marked growth of its summer youth tennis program from 45 participants in 2005 to more than 200 players this past summer.
“The BTA is a prime example of how a community can successfully come together to achieve a common goal,” said Kurt Kamperman, Chief Executive of Community Tennis for the USTA. “The organization has shown great dedication and commitment in growing the game of tennis in Brandon and has earned the 2008 Community Tennis Association of the Year Award.”
The Brandon Tennis Association was honored by USTA Northern as its 2007 Member Organization of the Year recognizing its outstanding service and setting the standards in which all organizations should strive to achieve.
“The accomplishments of the BTA are numerous and provide a great example of what can happen when a community organizes around a common cause,” Becky Cantellano, USTA Northern Director of Tennis Programs and Services, said. “We're so thankful to have this group of passionate volunteers working to promote the game on a local level. They are truly deserving of this award.”