Alex Arsenault, a YMCA tennis coach since 2006, and the parents of his students, ages 8-12, recently decided to start USTA junior teams; one for the 8 and 9-year-olds and another team for the 10-12-year-olds.

“The idea behind it is to get them used to playing matches and the team atmosphere into the tennis world; to prepare them for high school and hopefully, get them to enjoy tennis more,” Arsenault said. “There is a big push to get team tennis going for youth. This is a new league in the Midcoast region, so all the teams are new to this. No kids on the teams we play have have played in competition.”

The teams' first matches were held in Rockport at the Midcoast Recreation Center (MRC), 535 West Street, January 20.

Other game venues will be the Central Lincoln County (CLC) YMCA, 535 Main St., in Damariscotta; and Maine Pines in Brunswick at 120 Harpswell Road. The teams will play doubles matches and girls and boys singles through March.

All the kids currently on the junior teams have played tennis for at least one year taking group lessons at the Boothbay Region YMCA.

Arsenault is still looking for more players, both girls and boys. All they have to do is sign up at the YMCA by calling 207-633-2855.