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WTT Philadelphia Freedoms

Billie Jean King and the City of Philadelphia Team Up to Host 2nd Annual Philadelphia Freedoms Ball

June 5, 2012 - World TeamTennis (WTT)
Philadelphia Freedoms News Release


Philadelphia, PA (June 5, 2012) "" Billie Jean King, Philadelphia Freedoms, and The City of Philadelphia teamed up to host the second annual ball kid tryouts for the 2012 Freedoms season. The tryouts took place today at the FDR Park tennis courts, 1500 Pattison Avenue (near Citizens Bank Park). Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Community Resources, Michael DiBerardinis, represented the City at today's tryouts. Building off of the momentum from last year's tryouts, more than 45 kids and teens came out to test their tennis talent for a coveted spot as a Freedoms ball kid.

The Philadelphia Freedoms and the City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation invited local tennis-loving kids and teens, ages 10 to 16, to participate in the tryouts. Participants were judged based on speed, agility, reaction time, throwing, and basic tennis knowledge. Selected ball kids will have the unique opportunity to be a part of the action during home matches during this summer's Philadelphia Freedoms events at the Pavilion at Villanova University.

The Freedoms kick off their 2012 home season on July 10, and continue throughout July with a roster of world-class tennis pros, including James Blake (July 10), Bob and Mike Bryan (July 16), John McEnroe and Martina Hingis (July 20), and Mark Philippoussis (July 25), plus a special appearance by tennis legend Chris Evert (July 19). The Philadelphia Freedoms are presented by Beneficial Bank and hosted by Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

Freedoms ball kids will "be a part of the team," seeing tennis pros up close from court side and assisting during the matches. As a bonus, each ball kid will receive one complimentary Philadelphia Freedoms' ticket for every match that he or she assists.

"Joining Billie Jean King and the Philadelphia Freedoms as a ball kid is an exciting opportunity for any young person in the Philadelphia area," said Michael Di Berardinis, Deputy Mayor for Environmental and Community Resources. "We are ushering in a new generation of tennis lovers in Philadelphia, the home of one of the original teams in World TeamTennis."

Famed tennis great and owner of the Freedoms, Billie Jean King, served as one of the judges for the tryouts, with support from Freedoms Head Coach Josh Cohen. The World TeamTennis Pro League was co-founded by Billie Jean King in 1974.

"Through the Philadelphia Freedoms partnership with the City of Philadelphia, we are able to offer a fulfilling tennis experience to Philadelphia's children," said King. "Tennis in the public parks was an important part of my childhood and I am confident the programs offered through the City of Philadelphia's playgrounds and rec centers will provide these children access and an opportunity to try tennis and get active."

Visit www.philadelphiafreedoms.com for the Freedoms' full 2012 schedule. Individual match tickets, season tickets, and group ticket packages are available at www.philadelphiafreedoms.com or by calling (877) 4-FLY-TIX. All seats are reserved.

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