Development

The Community Sports Development Program (CSDP) tennis section has 3 main components: Outreach, Recreational, and the Academy component.  The Outreach component helps introduce youth to tennis. The Recreational and Academy components are designed to help youth achieve their goals, whether it is just to have fun with friends, to obtain a college scholarship, or to be a world class player.

Head Tennis Coach 

Larry Holmes is the Head Professional at Cooper Tennis Complex.

• PTR Certified;
• Former Director of Junior Tennis at Towpath Tennis Center;
• 2021 Coach of the Year-Mid Eastern Athletic Conference (Men and Women);
• Former Collegiate Coach (Norfolk St, Virginia Tech, Bethany, and Benedictine);
• Played Collegiately at Johnson C. Smith University;
• 4 time All Conference Player;
• Conference Rookie of the Year

Philosophy

• To help youth develop physically, mentally and emotionally
• To provide a fun friendly learning environment
• To provide youth ages 5 - 18 with learning and play opportunities to enjoy this lifetime sport

Outreach

• Annually, over 7000 youth are exposed to tennis in the CSDP Outreach program
• Offers area youth free introductory lessons
• Provides area schools and partners with staff training

Recreation

• Once per week lessons
• Provides introductory lessons throughout the community in a relaxed manner that will give youth a chance to see if they enjoy the sport

Academy

• 6 levels of programs ranging from beginners 5 years of age to college bound high school age players
• Academy levels are based on a ladder system. Tournaments and match play are encouraged in all the Academy levels
• Focuses on all the elements of becoming an accomplished tennis player
• Parent / coach nights are scheduled throughout the year to keep everyone informed and give parents the opportunity to ask questions
• Players meet at least 2 times per week to maximize their learning
• This component utilizes and follows the USA High Performance model and the 6 USTA Sport Sciences