If your child was born in 2005 or 2006, he or she can try out for a subsidized tennis program called Little Aces organized by Club CDL and Tennis Canada. If chosen, your child would be trained by the top coaches in Canada. In order to qualify for the program, kids must go through a one- to two-hour evaluation at Club CDL on August 17, 2012.  

No prior tennis experience is necessary; in fact, no racquets are used in the evaluation. Instead, cones and balls are used to test agility, speed, athletism and reflexes. The only requirement is that your child be in good physical shape.

After the evaluation, Tennis Canada will send CDL your child's national percentile score. If your child has scored 70 per cent or higher, they will be offered a spot in the enriched tennis program. Those chosen will be invited to take part in a one-year tennis program with the opportunity to stay on for a second year. Franca Spinelli, the operations co-ordinator for Montreal Families, has a son who did really well with this program.

Mikaël tried out last year, was accepted and recently won the first ever mini-Rogers cup tournament. He also had the opportunity to carry the official tennis balls of games played by top Canadian players Stephanie Dubois and Alexandra Wozniak. "We reward those who perform the best, show the most dedication, and who have progressed,” says Cody Stuart, assistant director of tennis at CDL.

Parents must also be dedicated to the program; kids practice twice a week for two hours, not leaving much time for other extracurricular activities. But, as Spinelli said, her son only grew to love the sport more as time went on, making the commitment worth the effort. 

The Little Aces tryout is Friday August 17, from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Your child must be pre-registered by emailing Cody Stuart at cody@clubcdl.com with your child’s name and date of birth. It takes place at Club Sportif Cote de Liesse, 8305 Cote de Liesse Blvd., St. Laurent. For more information, visit www.clubcdl.com.