Do "Young Adult" leagues exist??

[VamosSR]

Hello everyone! I'm a 20 year old recreational player at a skill level of about 4.0.. That's a complete guess since I've never played competitively (unless you count some tournaments my college tennis club sets up for those not on the team). I'm looking to enter a tournament or league in my area (NYC), but am hesitant to sign up because I'm technically an "adult". I mostly want to do something to make some friends that play tennis as well, but I don't think that would work out if I'm in an adult league playing people twice my age! I would feel much more comfortable playing Juniors, since I pretty much still look and feel like a Junior, but I don't think it's allowed. Are there such things as "Young Adult" leagues? Maybe for those between 18 and 25 or 30? Maybe there's like a specific time when younger adults play, like during the Summer? Any information is greatly appreciated!

 

[raiden031]

Your best bet is probably to play higher level events to find younger players, but that doesn't work if you aren't competitive against them. In my area there's really nothing organized that is catered to or attracts younger adults, but that wasn't my objective with tennis so its not a big deal for me. I'm 29, but have managed to make some friends with other players who are 40, 50, or older. I've also met a couple of younger players as well along the way, but it was more by chance because there are always a few out there.

 

[coyfish]

Im 22 and I just find friends to play. I guess its easier for me because im in school. Or you could sign up for tournies. If you find a person that gives you a good match . . . take his/her number. Just have to go out and meet people.

You could post a link in these forums.

 

[r2473]

Why not give "find a partner" a shot? I have found some good, consistent partners using this myself:

http://findapartner.usta.com/

 

[J_R_B]

When I lived in Chicago, there was a sports & socialization group that was primarily for younger people called the Chicago Sprorts Monster that organized leagues in a number of different sports including tennis. You should look for something like this in New York.

 

[BiGGieStuFF]

Do you go to college? Most of the colleges here in Houston have a tennis club that competes with other clubs from other colleges.

 

[VamosSR]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I am in the tennis cub at my school, but we really only have about 5 active members at my level (all male) and they're all from out-of-state. So when classes end I lose my tennis partners.

I'm starting to look for any groups that may consist of people my age, and I think I'm going to call all the clubs in my area (like the NTC in Queens) and see what they suggest.. Maybe a Summer camp or clinic is a good first step to see how I compare with whoever else is out there.

Not gonna lie, I'd also like to meet female tennis players my age that could be great friend/girlfriend material.. Just gotta keep searching I guess.

 

[ejdtennis]

I'm from the Boston area and I know a few players in their late 20s/early 30s who have played in the Boston League run by this group:

http://www.TennisNewYork.com/

I have no idea about their age range (or skill level) but some of the people in the pictures look younger. Good luck!

You could also try craigslist.. you never know. Also USTA tournaments NTRP singles tournaments sometimes seem to have younger participants than the corresponding leagues since those with families don't have the time to commit an entire weekend to a tournament.