João Maio and Arcílio Santos, organizers of the Super Category 14 & Under tournament in Maia, Portugal, have been named the winners of the 2024 Junior Tour Tournament Director Prize.
The award recognizes tournament directors who demonstrate outstanding skill in organizing and promoting Junior Tour events.
Each year, Tennis Europe invites all tournament directors across the continent to apply for recognition of their efforts in creating memorable experiences for young players. To be considered for the prize, organizers must meet and surpass Tennis Europe’s minimum standards. Criteria include social media communications, live streaming, photo provision, use of Junior Tour branding in promotional materials, social activities, player merchandise, and other original ideas.
The 2024 winners are:
- João Maio and Arcílio Santos – XXX Taça Internacional Maia Jovem – Maia, POR
- Jeremy Rybarczyk - Finals B16 European Summer Cups – Le Touquet, FRA
- Damian Janicki - Etcetera Szczecin Cup U14/16 – Szczecin, POL
"We’ve been organizing this tournament for 31 years. In the beginning, it was just a dream. Now, year after year, we get even more excited about it. We want to create a tournament that feels like a Grand Slam for the kids, so they feel like they’re playing something truly special. That’s why we’re trying to make a mini Grand Slam for the 14 & Under category, so they can experience the joy, the pressure, and the atmosphere they might feel one day at a real Grand Slam on the ATP or WTA Tour. We’re so happy to see that many of today’s top players have been here, and even more so that they remember the event. I’ve spoken to some of them, and they all said how special this tournament was for them. That motivates us to keep working hard.", said João Maio.
As the first prize winners, Mr. Maio and Mr. Santos will receive an invitation to Roland Garros 2025, including flights and accommodation. Mr. Rybarczyk will receive an Apple iPad and Mr. Janicki will receive $300 Amazon voucher.
Directors of events taking place in 2025 are invited to send their entries or enquiries to marketing@tenniseurope.org.