16th Annual "Little Mo" Internationals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida (UTR Ratings for Boys and Girls 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)

9/18/22 IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR "FULL" DIVISIONS - QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT IS NOW OPEN FOR REGISTRATION: https://app.universaltennis.com/events/125357 If a division is showing as "Full" here in the main tournament, we have unfortunately reached the maximum number of entrants allowed in that division. That being said, we will be hosting a QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT before the main international tournament at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center (host site) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida from Wednesday, November 30 - Thursday, December 1. Registration for the QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT is now open and it will be on a first-come, first-served basis up to 32 entries (maximum) - no additional entries will be accepted unless there is a withdrawal. The QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT will be played down to the Semifinal Round in order to determine 4 qualifying positions for the main tournament. These 4 qualifying players will be added to the Main Draw to make a full 32 players. The qualifying players who do not make it to the Semifinal Round will not be able to participate in the Main Draw Singles, but all qualifying players (regardless of their results) will still be allowed to compete in the Main Draw Doubles and Mixed Doubles during the main tournament from Sunday, December 3 - Wednesday, December 7 (assuming they are able to find a partner in each category). Additionally, we invite all qualifying players to participate in the special main tournament activities on Friday (picking up a player welcome bag during Player Check-in, attending the Player Clinic, walking in the Player Parade, being a part of the Opening Ceremony) and the Player Party on Saturday evening. Thanks so much and all the best! IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT ALTERNATE SITES AND PLAYING SURFACE: In addition to the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center (host site), we will be using several alternate sites for this international tournament in the Palm Beach Gardens county and surrounding areas (possibly Boca Raton too). We are also still working to finalize the playing surface for this tournament. It could be either outdoor Hard courts or Har-Tru clay courts (green clay) depending on the division. We will be posting more information in the coming months. Thanks so much! ____________________________________ Welcome to the 16th Annual “Little Mo” Internationals in Florida - open to any player worldwide (ages 8-16)! This prestigious event will be held at the beautiful Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida from December 2-7, 2022. Thank you so much for your continued support of the "Little Mo" and a special thank you to our tournament sites, volunteers, and proud sponsors: Jersey Mike’s Subs (Title Sponsor), Tennis Competitors of Dallas (TCD), RBC Wealth Management (RBC), Wilson Sporting Goods ("Official Ball and Racquet"), Lucky in Love Kids ("Official Apparel"), and Palm Beach County Sports Commission (PBCSC). The "Little Mo" is truly a "one of a kind" tournament for young tennis players and we hope you will plan on joining us this year for all of the fun and festivities! To register for this international event, please click on the black “Register” button on this page. The registration deadline is also posted under the black “Register” button. All yellow ball results from the "Little Mo" tournaments (Regionals, Nationals, Internationals) will count towards your player's Universal Tennis Rating (UTR). At this time, UTR only accepts yellow ball results (green dot divisions will not count for UTR). Also, a friendly reminder that players must register in the proper age division according to their birth year for all "Little Mo" tournaments. This ensures that our players are competing against others who are born in the same calendar year (i.e., 8's play 8's, 9's play 9's). For example, if your player is turning 10 at any time this year (regardless of what age they will be at the time of the tournament), they will need to register in the 10's division. IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Before you start the registration process, please download the document that has been uploaded to the tournament’s UTR homepage and read through it carefully. This document is entitled: "Little Mo" Internationals Rules and Regulations, Code of Conduct, Tournament and COVID-19 Liability Waivers, and Health/Safety Guidelines. During the registration process, you will need to electronically sign your name and agree to this document. This document is located on the bottom right-hand side of the screen if you are on a computer or at the bottom of the screen if you are using a mobile device. *NEW ENTRY PROCESS IN 2022: Due to the increase in registrations for the “Little Mo” Internationals, we will be adjusting our entry process this year. Registration for all three international events will be on a first-come, first-served basis as we have done in the past, but there will be several different entry limits based on the event (see below). If a division reaches the entry limit, no additional entries will be accepted unless there is a withdrawal. We may also consider having a Qualifying Tournament (1-2 days prior to the Main Draw) to accommodate additional entries, but a Qualifying Tournament is not guaranteed. *Please note that once you have received a confirmation email from UTR/Stripe, your player’s entry has been accepted into the tournament and you can make your travel arrangements. • California: Registration will be limited to the first 26 players in each division (ages 8-16) with 4 potential qualifying positions and 2 wildcards to be determined by MCB. If a Qualifying Tournament is not possible, we will accept an additional 4 players (past the first 26 entries) in each division on a first-come, first-served basis. All divisions will be limited to a 32-size draw (maximum). • New York: Registration will be limited to the first 12 players in each division (ages 8-12) with 2 potential qualifying positions and 2 wildcards to be determined by MCB. If a Qualifying Tournament is not possible, we will accept an additional 2 players (past the first 12 entries) in each division on a first-come, first-served basis. All divisions will be limited to a 16-size draw (maximum due to limited courts in New York). • Florida: Registration will be limited to the first 26 players in each division (ages 8-16) with 4 potential qualifying positions and 2 wildcards to be determined by MCB. If a Qualifying Tournament is not possible, we will accept an additional 4 entries (past the first 26 entries) in each division on a first-come, first-served basis. All divisions will be limited to a 32-size draw (maximum). PLAYER BOOKLET + FACT SHEET: We will be uploading a fun and informative "Player Booklet" to the tournament's UTR homepage the week of the tournament. In the meantime, we have included the most important information about this event below: HOTEL INFORMATION: We are working to finalize a local hotel room block with a discounted rate for all “Little Mo” and “Big Mo” players and parents participating in this tournament. We will be posting more information on how to make your hotel reservation in the coming months! PLAYER GIFT EXCHANGE: It is a special “Little Mo/Big Mo” tradition that all players at our regional, national, and international tournaments exchange a small gift with their first-round opponent in Singles. The gift should be $15 or less (wrapped or in a gift bag) and can represent your home city/state/country since your opponent will most likely be from a different area. The gifts are exchanged before the players walk on court for their first match. This is a fun way to meet a new friend on the first day and it will be a special memory for years to come. If you have a bye in the first round, please look at the draws posted on-site to find out with whom you will exchange gifts as you will be paired with another player who has a bye. If you have any questions about the Player Gift Exchange, please visit the “Little Mo/Big Mo” Booth during the tournament. PLAYER’S BIRTH CERTIFICATE / PASSPORT: All players who participate in the “Little Mo” Internationals must present a copy of their birth certificate or passport at Player Check-in to be included in the tournament. Player Check-in will be taking place at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center (host site) on Friday, December 2 (tentatively 10:00am-2:00pm - anytime). Information must be able to be read in English and clearly show a player’s full name and birthday (please make sure that your copy is not blurry). A copy of your player’s birth certificate or passport is mandatory to play in our international tournament (no exceptions). SPECIAL DRESS CODE ON FRIDAY AND TENNIS ATTIRE DURING THE TOURNAMENT: There will be a special dress code required on Friday for our upcoming Florida international event. On Friday, December 2 (only), our players must wear "all-white" clothing for all of the special activities scheduled for that day (colored shoes are OK). Clothing that must adhere to the “all-white” dress code on Friday includes shirts, shorts, skirts, tennis dresses, hats, visors, sweatbands, socks, warm-ups, jackets, and sweaters (a 5-10% colored trim on clothing is allowed, but no large logos). During the tournament, we ask our players to wear nice tennis attire for their practice and matches - colored clothing and shoes are acceptable (no color or logo restrictions). If you have any questions about the special dress code on Friday or a particular item of clothing, please send an email to Carol Weyman at: carol@mcbtennis.org. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS / DRAWS: In making your travel arrangements, it is best to plan for all six days of our international tournament (Friday, December 2 - Wednesday, December 7) since we will not know the exact schedule for each age division until the draws/match times are posted about 1-2 days before the event (tentatively by Thursday evening, December 1). We will be sending out an email to all registered players when the draws/match times are posted online. No matches will be played on Friday, December 2, however Player Check-in and the Opening Ceremony at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center (host site) on the first day are mandatory. Matches will begin for all age divisions (as early as 8:00am) on Saturday, December 3 and continue through Wednesday, December 7. In our experience, all age divisions will most likely continue with some matches (Singles, Doubles, and/or Mixed Doubles) into Tuesday and the larger draws into Wednesday afternoon, especially if we have any weather delays during the tournament. Therefore, we strongly recommend planning your travels from Thursday night/early Friday morning through Wednesday, December 7 after 5:00pm (if possible) to ensure that you do not miss any potential matches. We have also included a tentative day-by-day schedule below to give you a better idea of how the overall tournament will progress (subject to change): Friday, December 2 (Player Check-in / Opening Ceremony - Mandatory): No matches will be played on Friday. Our Friday activities are tentatively planned as follows: Player Check-in (10:00am-2:00pm - anytime), Player Clinic (1:00-3:00pm), Group Photo (3:15pm), Player Parade (3:45pm), and Opening Ceremony (4:00-5:00pm). All of the special activities on Friday will be taking place at the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center (host site) in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Saturday, December 3 (Matches Begin, Player Gift Exchange, and Player Party): Matches will begin as early as 8:00am for all age divisions and continue all day (typically 1-2 rounds of Main Draw Singles will be scheduled based on draw sizes). All players will exchange a small gift with their first-round opponent in Singles. A Player Party will tentatively be held from 5:00-8:00pm across the street from the Palm Beach Gardens Tennis Center. Sunday, December 4 (Doubles Begins): Matches will begin as early as 8:00am and continue all day (typically 1 round of Main Draw Singles, 2 rounds of Consolation Singles, and 1 round of Doubles will be scheduled based on draw sizes). Monday, December 5 (Mixed Doubles Begins): Matches will begin as early as 8:00am and continue all day (typically 1 round of Main Draw Singles, 1 round of Consolation Singles, 1-2 rounds of Doubles, and 1 round of Mixed Doubles will be scheduled based on draw sizes). Some smaller draws may finish. Tuesday, December 6: Matches will begin as early as 8:00am and continue all day (typically 1 round of Main Draw Singles, 1 round of Consolation Singles, 1 round of Doubles, and 2 rounds of Mixed Doubles will be scheduled based on draw sizes). Some smaller draws may finish. Wednesday, December 7: Matches will begin as early as 8:00am and may continue into the late afternoon (typically larger Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles draws will be scheduled to finish on Wednesday). It is our goal to have most of the matches finished by the early afternoon, but some final matches may continue into the late afternoon depending on the schedule. Please plan your departure after 5:00pm on Wednesday, December 7 as matches will be played that day (some divisions may finish earlier depending on draw size and weather). Also, please note there is no closing ceremony for the “Little Mo” Internationals. Additionally, here is a direct link to our 2021 "Little Mo" Internationals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida to give you an idea of the anticipated draw sizes in each division and the approximate player levels at our international events: https://playtennis.usta.com/Competitions/mcbtennisfoundationflorida/Tournaments/overview/AFD18334-CA32-40F0-A00E-CC9AEFCF543C. To view the draws and results in each division, please click on the “Draws” tab. DOUBLES / MIXED DOUBLES INFORMATION: The tournament entry fee is one inclusive fee that includes Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles so there are no additional fees to participate in Doubles and/or Mixed Doubles. All registrations for Doubles and Mixed Doubles will be taken on-site during the tournament (no registrations will be taken in advance or by email). If you do not have a partner selected before the tournament and you would still like to play in Doubles and/or Mixed Doubles, there will be a “Looking for Partner” sign-up sheet posted during Player Check-in on Friday, December 2. Players will be able to place their name and cell phone on this sheet in order to connect with possible partners. Most of our families prefer to wait until Friday to start their search as they like to meet their potential partners in person during Player Check-in. If you would however prefer to secure a partner before the event, this would be a great opportunity to encourage a friend to sign up for the tournament! Eligibility for Doubles and Mixed Doubles is as follows: DOUBLES: Players must compete in the same exact age division and ball type as they are registered for in Singles. For example, if you are registered in the Boys 10 (yellow ball) division for Singles, then you must play in the Boys 10 (yellow ball) division for Doubles. MIXED DOUBLES: Players can compete in a different ball type and with someone older or younger, but they must play in the division of the older player. For example, if you are a Boys 10 (yellow ball) player and you have decided to play Mixed Doubles with a Girls 12 player, you will both need to compete in the Mixed 12 division since that is the older division between the two players. All players will be guaranteed at least two Singles matches during the tournament in addition to one Doubles match and one Mixed Doubles match (if they are able to find a partner). Please note there is no guarantee you will be able to play Doubles and/or Mixed Doubles unless you have a partner - players are ultimately responsible for finding their own partners. DRAW FORMATS: The “Little Mo” Internationals will be using several different draw formats based on the division size and type: • Singles: A First Match Losers Consolation format with a 3rd/4th Place playoff will be used for all divisions with 6 or more players. This means that any player who loses their first match (Main Draw) will move into the Consolation draw. The losers of the Semifinal Round will play a 3rd/4th Place playoff. A Round Robin format will be used for all divisions with 5 or less players. • Doubles and Mixed Doubles: A Single Elimination format will be used for all divisions regardless of the division size. SCORING FORMATS: All age divisions (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16) will use the same scoring formats regardless of draw format or ball type: • Singles: All Singles matches (Main Draw and Consolation) will consist of two tiebreak sets (first to 6 games). At 6 games all, a 7-point set tiebreak (first to 7, win by 2) will be played. If players split sets, a 10-point match tiebreak (first to 10, win by 2) will be played in lieu of a third set. Regular scoring (with ad) will be used for all matches and a 5-minute warm-up will be given before each match. *Shortened scoring may be used in the case of rain. A 2-minute rest period will be given between the first and second sets, and between the second set and match tiebreak. No coaching is allowed at any time. • Doubles and Mixed Doubles: All Doubles and Mixed Doubles matches will consist of an 8-game pro set (first to 8 games). At 8 games all, a 7-point match tiebreak (first to 7, win by 2) will be played. Regular scoring (with ad) will be used for all matches and a 5-minute warm-up will be given before each match. *Shortened scoring may be used in the case of rain. No coaching is allowed at any time. PLAYER REFERRAL PROGRAM: We hope you will tell all of your friends about the “Little Mo” tournaments! As a special incentive for helping us spread the word, we would like to offer you an opportunity to receive $20 (per referral) from MCB if you are able to encourage a friend(s) to sign up. A custom question has been added to the tournament registration process whereby the referred player can type in your name on their entry form as having referred them. For every player you refer, you will receive $20 at the tournament. Only the names entered during the online registration process will count towards earning this prize. Also, any player who withdraws from the tournament will not count towards this prize. In order to claim your referral prize, please stop by the “Little Mo/Big Mo” Booth during any “Little Mo” tournament this year. Referral prizes will only be awarded at the tournament. The more players you refer, the more you can earn. If you have any other questions about this special offer, or if you would like to help promote the “Little Mo” tournaments by passing out flyers to clubs in your area, please send an email to: carol@mcbtennis.org. ____________________________________ 2022 “LITTLE MO” INTERNATIONALS In 2006, MCB created the "Little Mo" Internationals for USA players to experience different styles of play and meet others from various countries and cultures from around the world. This flagship event was first held in Texas and it later evolved into three different events held in California, New York, and Florida. The "Little Mo" Internationals is designed for talented boys and girls (ages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12) to compete against others born in the same year. The "Big Mo" divisions have also been added to some events for ages 13, 14, 15, and 16. These events have been held at some of the most prominent and historic tennis clubs in the United States. The "Little Mo" Internationals will be a fun experience and a wonderful vacation for the entire family. In California and Florida, yellow (regular) ball divisions will be offered for boys and girls ages 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 in addition to a green dot option for ages 8, 9, and 10. In New York, only yellow (regular) ball divisions will be offered for boys and girls ages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles will be offered for all players in addition to many fun and exciting activities such as the Opening Ceremony, Player Parade, Group Photo, Player Clinic, Player Gift Exchange, "Mo" Coins, Player Party, "Little Mo/Big Mo" Booth, and more. Last year, the "Little Mo" Internationals in Florida featured over 600 players from 60 different countries! 2022 “LITTLE MO” SLAM - WIN THE 6 FOOT TROPHY! Have you ever dreamed of winning the tallest trophy in junior tennis? In 2013, MCB created the ultimate challenge for any "Little Mo" player to win the "Little Mo" Slam. The Slam was created in honor of Maureen Connolly's Grand Slam win in 1953. If a "Little Mo" player can win their yellow ball division at all three Internationals in the same year (California, New York, Florida), they will receive the tallest trophy ever given in junior tennis (6 feet tall) and the title of "Little Mo" Slam Champion! The Slam continues this year with the 1st leg at the Racquet Club of Irvine in Irvine, California (July 1-6). The 2nd leg will be held at the historic West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, New York (August 21-25). The 3rd and final leg will take place in Florida (December TBA). There have been eight players who have accomplished this magnificent achievement in the past nine years. Who will it be this year? ____________________________________ 2022 “ROAD TO THE LITTLE MO NATIONALS” This year marks a very special milestone for MCB - the 25th Anniversary of the "Road to the Little Mo Nationals". We hope you will join us for one or more of the "Little Mo" Regionals on the Road - open to any USA player (ages 8-12)! The “Little Mo” began in 1976 as a local tournament for Dallas youngsters and later grew to include players from all over Texas. In 1998, it expanded nationwide and became known as the "Road to the Little Mo Nationals", one of the premier series of junior tournaments for boys and girls ages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12. The Road is now in its 25th year as a yearlong circuit of regional and national tournaments for players who reside in the USA and its territories. It is the only circuit of its kind for talented, high-performance boys and girls in the United States who compete against others born in the same year. The Road begins in the spring with the four “Little Mo” Regionals (North, South, East, West) held in different cities across the United States. The Regionals are open to any player who lives in the United States and its territories. Yellow (regular) ball divisions will be offered for boys and girls ages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 in addition to a green dot option for ages 8, 9, and 10. The top four yellow ball players (semifinalists) in each age division from each regional event will advance to the prestigious "Little Mo" Nationals, which will be held at the Austin Tennis Academy from September 23-26 in Austin, Texas. These players will form a 16 draw size in each age division at the Nationals. The top 160 players who reach the Nationals are the youngest and brightest future stars in American tennis! SPONSORSHIP OF THE “LITTLE MO” TOURNAMENTS We are actively looking for sponsors for the 2022 “Little Mo” tournaments. If you are interested or you know someone who works for a company that would be interested in being a sponsor of our “Road to the Little Mo Nationals” circuit and/or the three “Little Mo” Internationals (California, New York, Florida), please send an email to: carol@mcbtennis.org. We will be happy to send a customized PowerPoint sponsorship proposal, which would include branding opportunities such as placing banners at various sites across the country, advertising in the player program and booklet, having your logo on the t-shirts, and promoting your product(s) to our players and parents. We are also always trying to improve the “Little Mo” events, so please let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions. HISTORY OF MAUREEN “LITTLE MO” CONNOLLY BRINKER AND MCB TENNIS FOUNDATION: The “Little Mo” tournaments are hosted by MCB in memory of its tennis champion namesake, Maureen “Little Mo” Connolly Brinker. Born in San Diego, Maureen became the first woman to achieve the Grand Slam of tennis in 1953 by winning all four major championships (Australian, French, Wimbledon, and US Open) in the same year. She was well known for her powerful groundstrokes from the baseline, which earned her the famous nickname “Little Mo” - a comparison to the explosive firepower of the battleship USS Missouri, also known as “Big Mo”. Only five players in the history of tennis have won the calendar Grand Slam, and Maureen is still the only American woman and the youngest at age 18 to have accomplished this magnificent feat. She sailed through nine consecutive championship titles (three US, three Wimbledon, two French titles, one Australian) and she was unbeaten in 50 matches. Unfortunately, her spectacular career would be short-lived due to a horseback riding accident in 1954. While she could no longer compete at an elite level, Maureen’s legacy as a legendary tennis star would continue through the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation (MCB). Founded in 1968 with her dear friend Nancy Jeffett, MCB’s mission would be the promotion and support of junior tennis development worldwide. That same year, she was inducted into the prestigious International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. Sadly, Maureen lost her valiant battle with cancer the following year and passed away at the young age of 34. Although her tennis career spanned three years, many premier sportswriters consider Maureen Connolly to be the finest of all female players for her achievements on and off the court. In 2019, she was even honored by the United States Postal Service with her very own “Little Mo” Commemorative Forever Stamp. Today, MCB continues to support the growth of junior tennis by organizing numerous “Little Mo” tournaments throughout the United States annually for talented boys and girls (ages 8-16). These events are designed to provide outstanding competition at the regional, national, and international level while also encouraging players to develop new friendships, learn good sportsmanship, and most of all, have fun. The “Little Mo” tournaments are also unique in that young players have the opportunity to gauge their ability against others born in the same year from around the world (i.e., 8's play 8's, 9's play 9's). MCB strives to empower young athletes by giving travel grants, "Mo" Coins for prizes, and also Sportsmanship and Kindness awards to deserving individuals in honor of Maureen's legacy. The Foundation also contributes financially to many notable programs including the National Junior Tennis League for inner-city youth and Invest In A Child for deaf and wheelchair tennis. Over the years, many well-known collegiate players and famous tennis professionals have participated in the “Little Mo” tournaments including Andy Roddick, Taylor Fritz, Sebastian Korda, Emma Raducanu, Leylah Fernandez, Dominic Thiem, Belinda Bencic, Jenson Brooksby, Madison Keys, Brandon Nakashima, Vasek Pospisil, Borna Coric, Coco Gauff, Mackie McDonald, Ryan Harrison, Taylor Townsend, Donald Young, Steve Johnson, Sofia Kenin, Denis Kudla, CiCi Bellis, and Ana Konjuh among many others. Roddick won the “Little Mo” in 1992 (age 10) and he said, “the ‘Little Mo’ was my first big win!” Gauff won the “Little Mo” in 2012 (age 8) and she said, “the ‘Little Mo’ is where the belief began.” This is all wonderful news for junior tennis and we are so proud that the “Little Mo” continues to be one of the most popular events for young players around the world. MCB has promoted the development of junior tennis for over 54 years and continues to benefit countless numbers of young players worldwide. Thank you so much for your support of the "Little Mo" tournaments and the legacy of Maureen Connolly Brinker. It is our mission to provide players with a special and meaningful experience at all of our events. We would very much appreciate your help in spreading the word about the "Little Mo" so we can continue to impact future generations of young players. The MCB Tennis Foundation is led by its directors: Cindy Brinker Simmons (President), Brenda Brinker Bottum (Vice President), and Elizabeth Jeffett (Vice President). Carol Weyman (Executive Vice President) and Matthew Cody (Tournament Operations Manager) coordinate the “Little Mo” tournaments. For more information about the “Little Mo”, please visit our website at: www.mcbtennis.org and click on “Tournaments”. Thousands of players worldwide compete in the “Little Mo” tournaments and we hope to see even more youngsters play this wonderful “sport of a lifetime” this year. Play "Mo" Tennis!