Each May we hold tryouts at the Aviva Centre for a plethora of eager, young ballcrew wannabes. The first tryout usually has about 150 kids who show their enthusiasm, of which 48 are invited back two weeks later for a final tryout. From that final tryout, 15-25 are selected to join the returning crew and form our family of 78.

Between the final tryout weekend and the tournament, there are often several tournaments that serve as great practice for the main event. We strongly encourage rookies and second year crew members to participate in these events to hone their skills!

Once the Rogers Cup begins, 78 crew members are divided into 6 teams of 13, with each team managed by two captains. The team stays close from being on-court together to participating in team events while they are off-court. It is very important that all crew members are committed to the entire week.

As the number of tournament matches decrease, fewer teams are required to serve the courts. Therefore, shrinking the crew for Thursday and Finals Weekend is necessary. Six teams become four for Thursday and then the four teams are brought to two for Finals Weekend. However, after these “cuts”, we strongly encourage all kids to come back each day and participate in off-court events, watch tennis, hang-out with their friends, and especially participate in our famous raffle on Final Sunday! (Click here for what we look for at those dreaded cut meetings!)

Once the tournament is over, the committee sends out invitations for the following year’s tournament, and the process begins all over again!

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the Ballcrew Committee. Contact information is on the Contact Us page.