Cities Academy

Whole-Person Youth Tennis Training

Age Four to Eighteen ❘ Open to All Skill & Experience Levels

InnerCity Tennis teaching pros are top class and nationally accredited. The tennis curriculum they implement blends the USTA’s Net Generation curriculum, ICT’s Kidspeed, and their own experience-based teaching techniques.

Cities Academy is more than just tennis; our aim is to support whole-person youth development with the core values of enthusiasm, integrity, perseverance, respect, responsibility, service, and teamwork. So don’t be surprised to see pros facilitating conversations, asking questions, and prompting reflection that has impacts beyond the tennis court.

To join Cities Academy a young player new to InnerCity Tennis signs up for one or more classes, each one of which will meet once a week for the duration of a season. 

There are six seasons youth are able to participate in throughout the school year. The following seasons typically last about seven weeks:

  • Early / Late Fall
  • Early / Late Winter
  • Early / Late Spring

Discounts

Fall / Winter / Spring:

  • Development Programs: 10% discount for 2 or more days
  • Performance Programs: 10% discount for 3 or more days

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for families whose gross income roughly equals the Minneapolis’ median income. See the Scholarship tab below for more information.

Cities Academy has two categories of programs, distinguished by how registration takes place.

  • Development: Open registration programs for youth aged four to eighteen, beginner through advanced. The vast majority of our players, from first-timers to competitive high school players, train in Development Programs.
  • Performance: Invitation-only programs for highly advanced players that compete year round in USTA tournaments. 

See the Development and Performance tabs below for detailed program information.

Over the last few decades (but since many parents learned tennis as children) the USTA has developed and popularized the use of different color balls – of differing size and weight –  to support young player development. These red, orange, green, and yellow balls are designed to be age-appropriate. It is an extremely effective tool and our programs are named to indicate the ball color typically used.

Upcoming Sessions

Registration is now open for Spring + Summer sessions!
  • Early Spring: April 1 – 28
  • Late Spring: April 29 – June 2 (no classes May 25-27 for Memorial Day)
  • Early Summer: June 10-July 14 (no classes July 1-5 for Independence Day)
  • Late Summer: July 15-August 9
Development Programs Registration
Performance Programs Registration

* Invitation required prior to Performance Program registration.


Check back regularly for additional class offerings!

Contact juniors@innercitytennis.org with program questions and info@innercitytennis.org for registration help.

Please read the Details / F.A.Q. tab below prior to registration.

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RED ROCKETS

Red Ball courses are for young hitters with little or no tennis experience. Classes use age appropriate learning tools, stations, and engaging curriculum to to teach beginning tennis player’s the ABC’s of athletic skills and tennis development.

ICT’s instructors use our Kidspeed curriculum that teachers learning tools featuring stations that introduce beginner tennis players the ABC’s of Agility, Balance, & Coordination teaching introductory athletic and tennis development skills. To ensure early fun and success – kid friendly foam (6U) and felt (8U) balls with shorter rackets (recommended racket size: 19-23″, aluminum frame) are used on appropriately scaled smaller 36 ft. courts.

After Red Rockets 8U players commonly advance to Orange Crushers 1.

ORANGE CRUSHERS 1 & 2

Orange Ball courses are for youth ages 9-10 to learn on an age appropriate sized court. Instructors teach tennis fundamentals and tactics while directing players through a variety of fun games and drills on a larger age appropriate 60’ scaled tennis court with lightweight orange balls and shorter rackets. Orange ball level courses have the goal of teaching players to rally with a partner, hit consistent serves, play singles and doubles, and accurately keep score.​

Players new to orange balls (or to the sport in general) begin in Orange Crushers 1. After a year of skill development, or with encouragement from their coaches, players typically advance to Orange Crushers 2. After Orange Crushers 2 players commonly advance to Green Machines 1.

Recommended racket size: 23″ – 25″ (aluminum frame)

GREEN MACHINES 1 & 2

Green Ball courses are for players ages 10-12 aspiring to play tennis competitively. Using the slightly lighter green ball, instructors teach tennis fundamentals through fun games and drills. Participants will learn tennis skills such as consistency, accuracy, court position, as well as singles and doubles match play. Our enthusiastic instructors guide players through their development utilizing activities that engage participants.

Players new to green balls (or to the sport in general) begin in Green Machines 1. Typically after a year of skill development, or at the recommendation of their coach, players advance to Green Machines 2. After Green Machine 2 players commonly advance to Yellow Acers 1.

Recommended racket size: 25″ – 26″ (graphite frame under 10 ounces).

YELLOW ACERS Intro, 1 & 2

Acers Intro: These courses are for older youth players ages 13-18 that are new to tennis or transitioning into Yellow Ball classes. Intro to Acers, previously “Fast Track”, classes are designed to help players transition into yellow ball classes from 12U Green Machines 2. The Acers Intro is a great place to start for teenagers who may be new to tennis; they will learn the fundamentals and get into game play quickly! Recommended racket size: 25” – 27” (graphite frame of 9-10.6 ounces).

Yellow Acers 1: These classes are for players who enjoy the game and may aspire to play middle school or junior varsity high school tennis. Workouts are designed to be challenging and fun for this skill level. During drills, coaches focus on a specific tactic and stroke, emphasizing proper technique, consistency, and footwork.

Yellow Acers 2: These classes are for players who have experience competing on Varsity or USTA teams or in entry level tournaments. Activities are fast-paced and designed to give players the physical, technical, and tactical skills they need to improve their competitive performance with the goal of moving up a level or two in high school or USTA competition. During in-house match play and Team Tennis competition (when in season), coaches help players develop winning match play tactics including the proper use of power and how to attack an opponent’s weakness.

Performance Programs

Experienced players interested in Performance Pathway programs should reach out to Coach Shelby Anderson to set up an assessment. Performance classes are invitation-only to ensure these competitive, year-round tournament play experiences are a good fit for each participant.

Questions? Email Coach Shelby: shelby.anderson@innercitytennis.org

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8U ADVANCED

Red Ball (ages 5-8)

Not available at this time.

Red Rocket’s performance programs are for advanced players. These classes are invitation-only classes for players ages 5-8. Coaches stress proper footwork, ball control, and court positioning during training. Age-appropriate games and drills encourage young athletes to test their skills and experience the joy of honorable competitive play.

10U ADVANCED

Orange Ball (ages 7-10) • Registration

Orange Crushers invite-only performance programs are for advanced young players that have developed proper grips, swing paths, and service motion. In this advanced training, coaches stress proper footwork, ball control, and court positioning. Age-appropriate games and drills encourage young athletes to test their skills and experience the joy of honorable competitive play.

12U ADVANCED

Green Ball (ages 9-12) •  Registration

Green Machines performance programs are invite-only classes for advanced young players that are physically ready to train, compete and execute basic tactics on a full sized, 78’ tennis court. When appropriate, coaches will transition players into the yellow ball.

12U TRANSITION

Green & Yellow Ball (ages 10-14)

Not available at this time, email Callee Anderson at callee.anderson@innercitytennis.org for more information.

This transitional invite-only program is designed to provide a stepping stone for players to progress from 12U performance classes to Yellow Acers High Performance 1 or 2 programs.

18U HIGH PERFORMANCE

Yellow Ball (ages 10-18)Registration

Questions? Email Nick Dunivant at nick.dunivant@innercitytennis.org

High Performance training programs are invitation-only for committed, year-round tournament players that regularly compete in upper level USTA competitions and aspire to play college tennis. This program is designed to give players tactical training and tools needed to compete at the highest levels of the game. Training program intense drilling, tennis-specific conditioning, and competitive point and match play. Private athletic development and tennis coaching is highly recommended; discounted packages available if needed.

On-going tournament participation is required. Only players that have competed in at least six tournaments in the past six months (including one Level 4 or higher) and have a UTR of 4.0 or higher may register.

 

*Only those with prior approval are able to register online for performance programs. If you do not see the above programs after logging in to Club Automation, reach out to Nick Dunivant, Performance Pathways Programs Head Coach at nick.dunivant@innercitytennis.org for more information and assistance*

Cities Academy Scholarships

ICT’s scholarship fund is made possible by generous donors, allowing us to offer financial support to all youth whose families make up to Minneapolis’ median gross income, adjusted for family size. We do not require any documentation to submit an application, but absolutely ask you to be truthful so that we are able to equitably serve as many youth as possible.

The ICT staff team reviews scholarship applications on an ongoing basis, typically within two business days. If approved, ICT staff place a tag (user group) on the participant’s Club Automation account, allowing them to register directly for a classes or session with adjusted pricing. Do not register for a class or session until your scholarship has been granted as ICT staff do not retroactively change pricing for scholarship awardees.

A scholarship is valid for one year from the date on which the scholarship is granted. We encourage renewal registrations in the summer.

Questions? Email: juniors@innercitytennis.org

Para recibir apoyo con la solicitud, por favor contacta a Dilcia Stromberg en juniors@innercitytennis.org.

Haddii aad u baahan tahay taageero loo sameeyo codsashada, fadlan la xiriir Dilcia Stromberg at juniors@innercitytennis.org.

Yog tias koj xav paub tias muaj kev pab rau koj nyob rau hauv kev pab txhawb nqa, thov sau ntawv ntawm Dilcia Stromberg ntawm juniors@innercitytennis.org.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

BILLING – REFUNDS – MAKE-UP POLICIES

All withdrawal, refund, or credit requests must be made in writing by emailing us at juniors@innercitytennis.org; ICT will not accept verbal requests.

  • When is our payment due?
    Payment is required before or during the first week of class.
  • Do you allow make up classes if my child needs to miss a day?
    ICT will not provide make-up classes or account credit for individual dates missed during a program session (i.e., a player misses a class due to a school or family event)
  • What if I need to cancel my registration after the session has begun?
    Requests made before the program starts will be provided with an account credit unless you request a refund (see below)
  • What if InnerCity Tennis closes due to weather?
    We will provide a credit for any classes ICT cancels. To request a credit on your account, please email juniors@innercitytennis.org
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    Account credits will only be considered if a player must withdraw for the remainder of the session due to a physician-verified illness or injury. No refunds will be provided after the session begins.
  • What is your refund policy?
    – At least one week notice: Refund requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis
    – Less than one week notice: If we can resell the spot, a refund will be considered
    – After the program begins: No refunds will be provided
    Only full program refunds may be requested. No refunds will be provided for individual dates missed during a program session.
    *Effective September 1, 2022: All refunds will include a 5% refund fee
CLASS REGISTRATION AND PLACEMENT
  • How do I register for classes?
    You can register online through our Club Automation portal or by emailing juniors@innercitytennis.org with your class request.
  • What class should my child register for?
    We suggest all players start based on their current age regardless of experience level. Coaches will reach out to parents when they feel players are ready to progress to the next level.
  • How do I get a scholarship?
    Fill out our 2023 Scholarship Application, proof of income is required for those requesting 75% but do not qualify for free or reduced lunch programs.
  • What if I’m interested in the Performance Pathway classes?
    Please reach out to the following coaches to set up an evaluation:
    – Advanced Programs: Nick Dunivant
    – High Performance: Spencer Jones
  • What if the session has already started?
    Kids may join the session at any time, your cost will be prorated automatically when you get to the “cart”.
  • What if I feel my player should move up a level?
    Please email us at juniors@innercitytennis.org.
  • What if we want to change class days or times?
    – Only updates requested at least one week in advance will be accepted.
    – Players will be moved to requested class if there are spots available.

Do you have additional questions? Please feel free to reach out to us at juniors@innercitytennis.org.