CAREERS
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Do you have a passion for tennis and like to work with kids? Passing on your love of the game
to new and developing players can turn your work day into play! While a coach’s role is to
develop skilled players, getting kids excited about playing tennis is the #1 goal of people who
work in youth development careers. By putting together activities, events, clinics, youth camps,
training programs and/or school programs aimed at getting kids to fall in love with the game,
you’ll get to share your love of tennis and foster it in younger players. Great organizational skills
are a big plus for people working in this field. If you’re outgoing and enjoy working with people
to get things done, a youth development career can put your love of tennis to work!
Someone who works in youth development can expect to split their time between inside and
outside activities. Inside duties might include things like planning and scheduling, fundraising,
talking to people about your programs or events, or stringing racquets. Outside tasks may include
running camps, clinics, or tennis events.
POTENTIAL COMPENSATION RANGE: $34,850 – $72,060+ per year†
†
according to: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/naics4_711200.htm#27-0000
SURPRISING FACT: The US Dept. of Labor predicts a 14% expected job growth for this
employment sector from 2012–2022! That’s a lot more jobs in the near future!
LIKE?
SWIPE!
Youth Development careers involve:
• Working with people
• Recruiting
• Fundraising
• Community Outreach
• Organizing programs or events
• Public Speaking
• Being Social Media savvy
Steps to a career in Youth Development
might include:
• Sharing your love of tennis with others
• Getting involved in your school’s student
government organization
• Joining clubs as Rotary, Toastmasters,
Jaycees, or service organizations
• Volunteering as a tennis coach or
program leader
• Organizing a tennis clinic, camp,
program, or event
• Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation
Studies, Recreation Management,
Sports and Recreation Management,
or Event Planning
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CAREERS
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
LET’S TALK TENNIS
Questions to Ask:
•
•
•
•
What’s interesting about this career path to me ?
What skills do I already have that are a great fit for this career path?
What experiences do I already have that might support my success in this field?
What kind of educational experiences do I want to pursue after high school?
Who Can I Talk To?
• Guidance Counselors or Career Education Advisors
• Local Tennis Program Organizers/Club Team Organizers
• Colleges/Universities that specialize in tennis-related careers
• Parents
• Teachers
• School Tennis Coach/Club Advisor
Where Can I Find More Information?
USTA: Youth Tennis
USTA: Coaches and Organizers
USTA Foundation: National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL)
USTA Foundation Scholarships
The USTA Serves Special Report: More Than a Sport: Tennis, Education and Health
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