Tennis becomes first sport since curling in 2008 to be added to U SPORTS programming

Tennis Canada and U SPORTS announced exciting news for university tennis in Canada on Friday, as tennis becomes the first pilot (P3) sport in the program’s history. This collaboration, which began this fall, will further enhance the student-athlete experience, providing tennis players with more opportunities to compete at a higher level within the Canadian education system.

The decision to unite tennis with U SPORTS stems from a shared vision of providing competitive opportunities and promoting positive experiences for everyone involved in the sport. By improving current college tennis events and exploring new options, we hope that more people will continue to play tennis during and beyond their college years.

Quotes

“We are delighted to announce our exciting partnership with Tennis Canada, marking the inclusion of tennis in the new U SPORTS Sport Model program as a pilot sport. This collaboration marks an important milestone in our commitment to fostering athletic and academic excellence while expanding opportunities for student-athletes across the country. Together with Tennis Canada and our members, we look forward to serving as a catalyst in the development of high-level talent in Canada and promoting the values ​​of excellence and equity within our university communities.

–Lisette Johnson-Stapley, U SPORTS Director of Sport

“Joining U SPORTS as a pilot sport is an important moment for Canadian tennis. This collaboration holds enormous potential for the sport, and we are excited to work alongside U SPORTS to further enhance the Canadian University Tennis Championships. Not only will this open new doors for student-athletes, but it will also fuel increased participation in tennis at the college level.

–Ryan Borczon, director of professional and national events at Tennis Canada

Further information

• As a pilot sport, tennis will be included in the Partnership Sports category of the new U SPORTS Sport Model Program. Within this classification, there are three subcategories: Pilot Sports (P3), Invitational Sports (P2), and Conference Sanctioned Sports (P1). Most sports under the Partnership Sports umbrella are primarily funded by the appropriate National Sporting Organization (NSO) and managed in partnership with U SPORTS.

• Throughout 2024, Tennis Canada will work with U SPORTS to build the reputation of university tennis in hopes of moving the sport up the partnership sports ladder. Once a sport reaches the P1 subcategory, it can then progress to the national championship grassroots sports category, which includes sports such as hockey, basketball and football.

• Tennis Canada will continue to host its annual Canadian University Tennis Championships, in cooperation with U SPORTS.