USTA Junior Team Tennis Teams
Below are the details for the Jr. USTA Teams we run that are based out of the Exton/Downingtown areas
Division and Teams
We look to have teams in the following divisions. We may have multiple teams per division, but are limited un the number of teams we have in each division. Additionally we need at least 6 player per division to have a team.
10 and under (Orange Ball)
12 and under (Green Dot Ball)
14 and under
High School Boys
Dates: The season runs from September 12th through late October. We will have practices the week before the first match on September 12th.
Coaches: Justin DePietropaolo will be the teams head coaches and responsible for facilities, balls, practice, lineups, communication with parents, and communication with opposing coaches. We will also have assistant coaches who will be at practices and away matches including Tom Harker, Caleigh Lydon and Jeff Garrett.
Age Eligibility: Players can’t be over the age of the division and cannot turn the next age up until after June 6th, 2027 for 12 and under, June 20th, 2027 for the 14 and under and November 15th for the High School and 10 and under Divisions. For instance for the 14u team, players can’t be over the age of 14 and cannot turn 15 until after June 20th, 2027.
Level of Play Eligibility: The level of play is intermediate, so players should be generally be able rally a ball over the net, keep score and serve. New team players will be subject to a tryout and/or skills test at the beginning of the season, which will focus on these factors.
USTA Membership: All players must be USTA members, which can be purchased at www.usta.com. USTA membership is free for all junior players.
Net Generation Ball Color for 10 and under and 12 and under: 10 and under and 12 and under players are assigned ball colors when they register for USTA based on their age. They then will move up ball colors based on age or their results in JTT leagues or USTA tournaments. Players may NOT play up a ball color level unless they age up or earn it.
WTN Ratings for 14 and under and 18 and under: Previous players will now have World Tennis Number ratings assigned to them which will determine which divisions our teams will be in. New players will have to self-rate. Player ratings for prevous players can be found here: https://tennislink.usta.com/TEAMTENNIS/Main/FindAJuniorRating.aspx. Please note that the 14 and under and 18 and under team will most likely be affected by this as we are are looking to form an intermediate team which means all players should be 27 or above for 14 and under players and 22 and above for High School Division players.
Cost: All players must be USTA members, which is free. There is a League Fee of $14, and the Team Fee is $150 for players for 1 night of practice per week. If players want an additional night of practice, it’s an extra $50. The League fee goes towards league awards and administration. The team fee is for courts, balls, practices, and an end of the year party. The total cost for the season would be $164 for those attending 1 night of practice per week.
Location: In 2026, we ideally, we will have practices at Downingtown West and Miller Park during the week after school. Our matches will be on Saturdays at Downingtown West HS.
Matches: There will be 6-8 matches for the season, half of which are home, and half are away. Matches will take place on Saturday afternoons for a 2 hour window anywhere between 12pm and 5pm. There are spots for 7 players in each and match, so while players may not play EVERY week, they will play in the majority of the matches.
Practices: Team practices will be held on Wednesday or Thursday late afternoons or early evenings, starting the week before our first match and ending by the end of the season. .Players are expected to come to 1 night of practice. Note if they would like to come to both nights, they can but it’s an extra $50 for the season. Here is a tentative list of our practices:
Wednesdays at Downingtown West High School
High School Boys and 14u Players: 4:30-5:45 for the first 5 weeks, 4:00-5:15 for final 2 weeks
14u Players and 12u Players: 5:45-7:00 for the first 5 weeks, 5:15-6:30 for the final 2 weeks
Thursdays at Miller Park in Exton
High School Boys and 14u Players: 4:30-5:45 for the first 5 weeks, 4:00-5:15 for final 2 weeks
14u Players and 12u Players: 5:45-7:00 for the first 5 weeks, 5:15-6:30 for the final 2 weeks
Parents: Parents are responsible for transportation for their players to and from matches. Occasionally we will ask parents to help with lineups as well for away matches.
Team Names: Team names will be given to teams as consulted by players and coaches and may or may not include “Just Tennis” in front of the name to provide program unity.
Uniforms: We have a variety of youth size Just Tennis DriFit shirts that are available for free at a first come- first serve basis. Also, additional Just Tennis apparel can be purchased here: http://justtennis.logosoftwear.com/. We would like players to wear their uniformed shirts, but it’s not a necessity.
Players/Team: Fall teams will take a maximum of 11 players per team and we’re looking to do multiple teams per division. If we have more players interested in playing that slots available, the FIRST priority is those that have submitted their online interest form by the August 31st deadline. The SECOND priority is for players that have competed for our teams in the most recent season. Those that have competed in Spring 2026 will receive top priority. We will also look at behavior, attitude and ability of previous players.
Equipment: High School and 14u divisions will use yellow balls. The 12u division will use green dot balls. The 10u division will use orange balls. All players are responsible for providing their own racquets.
Contacts:
Head Coach: Justin DePietropaolo- justin@phillyteamtennis.org ; (484) 884-0048
Registration: Please Click on the Link Below to complete the first step of registration which is filling out our Interest Form. We need to know by August 31st for all divisions if your player is planning on playing this upcoming season by completing the interest form. You’ll then have until September 2nd to get in at least one part of the official registration. If not in by late August, there is no guarantee that your player will be selected to play on the team.
