Kids Programs​

Discover your love for tennis at RSC, where we offer year-round play on top-quality courts and programs for all skill levels.

Welcome to the RSC Tennis Academy

RSC is the largest youth training facility in Ottawa. With over 200 hours of weekly junior instruction for ages 4+, and skill level from never played to competing at the national level.

Recreational

Explore fun, skill-building programs led by certified coaches for kids who are new to tennis or looking to develop their game.

Competitive

Our high-performance programs provide athlete-centered training designed to help players compete at the Provincial and National levels.

RSC Tennis Academy

Recognized by Tennis Canada as a U15 Club Support Program member, we offer a structured pathway, elite coaching, and high-level competition.

Kids Tennis Programs

Designed for ages 6-7, Red Ball introduces kids to tennis with smaller courts, lower nets, and slower balls, making it easier to learn and have fun. Led by certified coaches, this program builds confidence and fundamental skills in a supportive, engaging environment. 

Red Ball 2

March 31 @ 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
The red half court program helps young players aged 6–7 develop tennis fundamentals on a court and with equipment sized for their age and ability. Cooperative activities and play-based exercises build basic tennis and athletic skills in a fun, engaging environment.

Kids Tennis Programs Schedule

Explore our full schedule of kids’ tennis programs, including weekend and after-school options. Find the perfect program to help your child learn, grow, and have fun on the court!



Competitive & High Performance Program

RSC is Ottawa’s premier Junior Tennis Development Centre, with many high-performance athletes competing at the Provincial and National levels each year. We are athlete-centered, ensuring every training session is tailored for the individual to maximize their development.

Participation in the High Performance Team requires a year-long commitment, with training running from September to June. We limit the number of athletes to ensure a high-quality training environment. In addition to year-round training, we also offer intensive high performance training camps throughout the summer, designed to further enhance skills and prepare athletes for competitive play.

 

For more information, please contact rachel@rideausportscentre.com

Vision

To equip athletes with the technical, physical, and psychological skills for competition and a positive performance mindset.

Mission

To provide the best environment for each athlete to reach their full potential.

Values

Discipline: We uphold the highest standards in both athletic and social pursuits.

Desire: Our athletes continually strive for improvement through dedication and mindset.

Diligence: Careful planning and execution are key to success.

Development: We prioritize developing world-class players and well-rounded individuals.

Kids Tennis Programs

Weekend and after-school programs for children ages 4+, led by certified, passionate coaches. From Learn to Play to High Performance, RSC’s Junior Tennis Pathway has the perfect fit for your child. Our progressive tennis approach, endorsed by Tennis Canada, ensures a fun, engaging start to the sport.

Red Ball

Ages 6 to 7

The red half court program helps young players aged 6–7 develop tennis fundamentals on a court and with equipment sized for their age and ability. Cooperative activities and play-based exercises build basic tennis and athletic skills in a fun, engaging environment.

Ratio: 6-1
 

Equipment Modifications:
•Bigger & slower ball – 75% slower than a regular ball
• Smaller court – 10.97m-12.8m x 4.88m – 6.1m
• Lower net – 31.5” – 33” at the centre
• Smaller racquet – 19”, 21” or 23”

Red Ball 1

Ages 6 to 7

Designed for children aged 6-7 with little or no tennis experience, this program introduces the sport in a fun, engaging environment. The focus is on developing basic tennis and athletic skills. Players must be able to serve, rally, and score before progressing to Red 2. We recommend completing 2–3 full sessions in Red 1 before moving on, unless advised otherwise by your coach.

Red Ball 2

Ages 6 to 7

For children aged 6-7 with some lesson experience who can serve (underhand or overhand), rally, and score. Participants must commit to two lessons per week, where they will strengthen their tennis and athletic fundamentals through cooperative and play-based activities.

Red Ball Prospects Team

Ages 6 to 7

This program is for children aged 6-7 who are passionate about sports and interested in competitive tennis. Players must be assessed and approved by the Head of Junior Development to join. In addition to tennis-specific training, each session includes coordination, speed, agility, balance, throwing, and footwork exercises essential for long-term development.

Orange Ball

Ages 8 to 9

The Orange three-quarter court curriculum is designed for 8-9-year-olds, providing a court and ball size suited to their age and abilities. This allows for the proper development of tennis fundamentals in a fun, engaging environment. Through cooperative activities and play-based exercises, players will enhance their basic tennis and athletic skills.

Ratio: 6-1
 
Equipment Modifications:
Slower ball – 50% slower than a regular ball
Smaller court – 17.98m-18.29m x 6.4m-8.23m
Lower net – Center height: 31.5”-36”
Smaller racquet – 23” or 25”

Orange Ball 1

Ages 6 to 7

For 8-9-year-olds with little or no lesson experience, focusing on developing basic tennis and athletic skills in a fun setting. Players must be able to serve, rally, and score before progressing to Orange Ball 2. We recommend 2–3 full sessions in Orange 1 before moving on, unless advised otherwise

Orange Ball 2

Ages 6 to 7

For 8-9-year-olds with some lesson experience who can serve (underhand or overhand), rally, and score. Players must commit to two lessons per week to further develop tennis and athletic skills through cooperative and play-based activities.

Orange Ball Prospects Team

Ages 6 to 7

For 8-9-year-olds passionate about sports and pursuing competitive tennis. Players must be assessed and approved by the Head of Junior Development. In addition to tennis training, classes include coordination, speed, agility, balance, throwing, and footwork development critical for long-term progress.

Green Ball

Ages 9 to 10

The Green full court curriculum is designed for 9-10-year-olds, allowing them to play on a court and with a ball suited to their size and abilities. This enables the proper development of tennis fundamentals while keeping the experience fun. Through cooperative activities and play-based exercises, players will enhance their tennis and athletic skills.

Ratio: 6-1
 
Equipment Modifications:
Slower ball (25% slower than a regular ball)
Full-size court (23.77 x 8.23m)
Standard net height (36” center)
Smaller racquet (23”, 25”, or 26”)

Green Ball 1

Ages 6 to 7

For 9-10-year-olds with little or no lesson experience, focusing on basic tennis and athletic skills in a fun setting. Players must be able to serve, rally, and score before progressing to Green Ball 2. We recommend 2–3 full sessions in Green 1 before moving on, unless advised otherwise.

Green Ball 2

Ages 6 to 7

For 10-12-year-olds with some lesson experience who can serve (underhand or overhand), rally, and score. Players must commit to two lessons per week to further develop their tennis and athletic skills through cooperative and play-based activities.

Green Ball Prospects Team

Ages 6 to 7

For 9-10-year-olds passionate about sports and pursuing competitive tennis. Players must be assessed and approved by the Head of Junior Development. In addition to tennis-specific training, classes include coordination, speed, agility, balance, throwing, and footwork development for long-term growth.

Teen Tennis

Ages 11 to 16

The Teen Tennis full court curriculum is for players 11+ to develop tennis fundamentals through practice, play, and fun. Cooperative activities and play-based exercises enhance basic tennis and athletic skills. Progressive tennis balls and reduced court sizes are used as needed to accelerate learning for beginners.

Ratio: 6-1

Teen Tennis 1

Ages 6 to 7

For 11-16-year-olds with little or no lesson experience, focusing on basic tennis and athletic fundamentals in a fun, engaging environment. Players must be able to serve, rally, and score before advancing to Teen Tennis 2.

Teen Tennis 2

Ages 6 to 7

For 11-16-year-olds with some lesson experience who can serve, rally, and score. Players must commit to two lessons per week and will further develop their tennis and athletic skills.

Teen Tennis Prospects Team

Ages 6 to 7

For 11-16-year-olds passionate about sports and pursuing  competitive tennis. Players must be assessed and approved by the Head of Junior Development. Classes include tennis training plus coordination, speed, agility, balance, throwing, and footwork for long-term development.

Parent & Me

Ages 4 to 5

This program is the perfect starting point for young athletes beginning their tennis journey. Through fun, cooperative activities with parent participation, kids will develop basic tennis and athletic skills in an engaging, active environment. Our friendly and patient coaches ensure a positive and encouraging experience.
Ratio: 6-1
 
Equipment Modifications: age-appropriate balls, court, and racquets are used to ensure success

Happy Hour

This fun program features various games designed to enhance skills while ensuring an enjoyable workout. Games include Champion of the Court, Coach’s Apprentice, and many more, promoting both competition and camaraderie.
Ratio: 4-1
Playing Level: Intermediate or higher

Happy Hour

This fun program features various games designed to enhance skills while ensuring an enjoyable workout. Games include Champion of the Court, Coach’s Apprentice, and many more, promoting both competition and camaraderie.
Ratio: 4-1
Playing Level: Intermediate or higher

Happy Hour

This fun program features various games designed to enhance skills while ensuring an enjoyable workout. Games include Champion of the Court, Coach’s Apprentice, and many more, promoting both competition and camaraderie.
Ratio: 4-1
Playing Level: Intermediate or higher

Sign up for a Kids Program

Kids Programs FAQs

SeasonSession DatesRegistration
Winter 1Jan 6 – Feb 16Open
Winter 2Feb 18 – March 30Open
Spring 1March 31 – May 11Feb 3 (Passholders) 
Feb 10 (Non-Passholders)
Spring 2May 12 – June 30Feb 3 (Passholders) 
Feb 10 (Non-Passholders)
Summer 1June 30 – July 27April 21 (Passholders) 
April 28 (Non-Passholders)
Summer 2July 27 – Aug 24April 21 (Passholders) 
April 28 (Non-Passholders)
Fall 1Sept 2 – Oct 26July 7 (Passholders) 
July 14 (Non-Passholders)
Fall 2Oct 27 – Dec 21July 7  (Passholders) 
July 14 (Non-Passholders)

In order to register for a tennis program, participants must have an account with a credit card on file. This can be done directly off the RSC webpage: https://rsc.clubautomation.com/

Registrations can be completed on our website or mobile app. Refer to our Registration Guide for more detailed instructions.

Our Summer Tennis Camps are an extension of our Tennis Programs. Players get 15 hours of on court time per week with certified tennis instructors during summer camps. 

  1. Programs are non-refundable and non-transferable. 
  2. Cancellations prior to 14 days from program start will be issued a credit to the account. A $40(+HST) administration fee will be applied to process the credit.