Vermont is one of the smallest junior tennis markets in the country — and that's not a bad thing. The scene is intimate, the competition is friendly, and first tournaments here feel more like community events than pressure cookers. With the whole New England section within reach, Vermont kids have access to far more tennis than the state's size suggests.
Your USTA Section: New England
Vermont is part of USTA New England, alongside Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The section operates the junior tournament calendar, rankings, and sectional championships across all six states. For Vermont families, filtering by the New England section in tournament searches is essential — it reveals the full regional calendar, since many of your child's tournaments will be across state lines.
How to Find Tournaments in Vermont
Start with the official USTA tournament search at https://playtennis.usta.com/tournaments:
- Enter your zip code to find events near Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland, or the Upper Valley.
- Select "Junior" for youth-only results.
- Filter by the New England section to see tournaments across all six states — this is where Vermont families find most of their events.
- Choose an age division (12U, 14U, 16U, or 18U).
- Pick a level: L7 is the entry point — local, open to everyone, low pressure, and the ideal first tournament. Players move up through L6 and L5 with experience; L1 is national-level play and a long-term goal.
The Little Mo Pathway (Ages 8–12)
Younger players (ages 8–12) can also compete in the Little Mo circuit run by the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation. Regional tournaments nationwide form the "Road to the Little Mo Nationals," with top finishers heading to the Little Mo Nationals in Austin, Texas each fall.
Check the foundation's official Little Mo site for this year's regional locations and entry deadlines — search "Little Mo tennis tournaments" online.
Practical Tips for Vermont Parents
- Embrace the regional circuit early. Vermont's in-state junior calendar is limited, so plan from the start to travel: New Hampshire, upstate New York, and Massachusetts events are all within a few hours. Many Vermont families find their "home" tournament circuit spans three states — that's normal here, not a burden.
- Winter means indoors — and planning. Vermont's outdoor season is short, roughly late spring through early fall. Indoor facilities carry the winter load, and junior tournaments run through the cold months on tight schedules. Because options are fewer, popular winter events fill fast — register as soon as entries open.
- Enjoy the low-pressure start. Vermont's small scene means your child's first tournaments will likely be small draws with familiar faces. That's the gentlest possible introduction to competition. Let them fall in love with tournament tennis here before chasing bigger fields elsewhere.
Be the Wall
Small-state tennis runs on community, and your sideline demeanor sets the tone for everyone. Be the parent other families appreciate: calm, encouraging, focused on effort. No yelling, no shaming — be the Wall.
Preview upcoming matchups with the free tools at https://tools.utrguide.com/who-wins.
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