About BLTA

Last Updated on Wednesday, 20 April 2011 19:50 Written by 1 - Administrator Sunday, 09 January 2011 13:41

The Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA), the governing body of tennis on our Island, is a not-for-profit Association that was founded in 1967. Prior to this there were several groups of tennis players moving in different directions with the same objective; developing the sport in Bermuda. Over the years tennis has maintained its prominence in the sporting community with a calendar that features numerous programs and events throughout the year.

The BLTA falls under the auspices of the Bermuda Government Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation. The BLTA is a fully compliant signatory to the Bermuda Council for Drug-Free Sports Initiative, which implements year-round random drug testing.

The BLTA runs on a Pyramid Structure which was introduced to the Association by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The structure is designed to introduce thousands of children to the sport of tennis at a young age. After participating in the Tennis in the School program, juniors have an opportunity to further develop their skills in the Saturday morning Grass Roots Program and the Sunday Pepperidge Farm Junior Tennis Round Robin Series.

The Juniors advance to their first level of competition by playing in local Junior tournaments in which they gain ranking points and local exposure. These ranking points along with other performance variables (Leagues, Team Tennis, etc.) determine which players form part of the National Training Squads, and ultimately, will represent Bermuda in international team competition.

In June 2003, the BLTA, along with title sponsor, the Bank of Bermuda Foundation, played host to its first ITF Junior World Ranking Tournament, in which several of Bermuda’s youngsters participated against world class juniors from around the globe for precious World Ranking points. The tournament was a resounding success and has been held annually with the 7th anniversary presentation of the Bank of Bermuda Foundation ITF Junior Circuit Tournament  in June.2009.

Tennis is a sport for life, spanning all age groups from the tiniest of tots to senior citizens and challenged individuals. It is a sport that embraces all cultures. We are proud to say that tennis in Bermuda continues to strengthen, and, with players of all ages taking to the courts, it is evident that its popularity is continually growing.

Tennis - The Sport for Life