Dual Tennis Europe Junior School sessions were held yesterday on the eve of the 14 & Under Summer Cups final rounds.
The final eight boys and girls teams at the European Team Championships in Loano (Italy, girls) and Valencia (Spain, boys) attended simultaneous sessions hosted by Tennis Europe staff Stephanie Kamberi (Head of Juniors) and Yannis Blackburn (Media Manager) respectively.
After getting acclimatized to the searing 30-plus degree heat in their practice sessions, the teams settled down for the School. The topic of ‘tennis ecosystem’ was covered at both venues. In Valencia, the players were also treated to an interactive media session, a fun Q&A with prizes, audience participation related to ‘dynamic warm-up’ as well as a quick glimpse of video celebrating Tennis Europe’s 50th anniversary this, with contributions from Rafa Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Steffi Graf, Emma Raducanu and more.
Over in Loano, the girls enjoyed a session with a special focus on Gender Equity in Tennis. Ms. Kamberi was joined by British coach and former WTA player Kate Warne-Holland, who participated in a Question-and-Answer session on the topic.
The group also discussed some of the sport’s most influential female players, discussing the inspirational stories of Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka among others.
Head of Junior Tennis Stephanie Kamberi commented, “Equal opportunity in tennis opens the door for every child to dream, play and succeed. Gender equity is key to the continued growth of the game, and to empowering the generation. Many thanks to Kate for sharing her stories and opinions, and to the players who were eager to learn more about the topic.”
Play at the final rounds kicks off today, Monday 30th June. 5 of the 8 teams in action at each venue will join hosts Czechia at the ITF World Junior Tennis finals in Prostejov in August. All the latest draws, results, photos and live links can be found here.
At the end of the Junior School in Valencia one player from each nation got up to record this “welcome” video: