The USTA announced today that the Brandon Tennis Association (S.D has been selected as the 2008 National Community Tennis Association of the Year. It will be honored before more than 600 community tennis leaders at the annual USTA Community Tennis Development Workshop held on February 14, 2009, at the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa on Hilton Head Island, S.C.

“It was just three years ago that we decided to become a CTA. We not only had to advocate for the idea of these tennis courts, we had to advocate for the idea of tennis to the community,” said Becky Blue, President of the Brandon Tennis Association. “We are delighted that our organization has been recognized for our cooperative efforts and for growing the great sport of tennis throughout the Brandon community.”

The Brandon Tennis Association (BTA) is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that has grown rapidly from a group of interested parents and players in the summer of 2005 to the vibrant, player-driven organization it is today. The mission of the BTA is to grow tennis in the community, providing opportunities for people of all ages to learn, play and compete.

Working in cooperation with the Brandon City Council and the Brandon School District to help make its vision a reality, the BTA spearheaded an effort to develop an eight-court tennis complex complete with four new tennis courts, four refurbished courts and an 800-square-foot welcome center. For the project, the group raised more than $200,000 including almost $60,000 from the USTA through grants, and was extended $120,000 by the Brandon school board and $80,000 from the city of Brandon.

Upon opening in June 2007, adult leagues and summer tennis opportunities for junior players were developed through Jr. Team Tennis programs. The new courts also allowed the Brandon School District to implement a no-cut policy for all of its after-school tennis programs. One indication of the BTA’s success is the marked growth of its summer youth tennis program from 45 participants in 2005 to more than 200 players this past summer.