By Jeanne Ford, USTA Florida Director of Marketing, Membership & Sponsorship
Tennis, the sport of a lifetime. If you have spent any time hanging around the tennis courts, you’re bound to have heard this mantra. No matter what age or ability level you are, you can learn to play and keep playing. Tennis has never been more fun or more accessible than it is now.
Net Generation is a smashing success introducing youth ages 5-18 to tennis in a fun, high-energy, more-laughs-the-better way where making new friends and demonstrating sportsmanship are as big a win as a well-hit forehand.
Tennis offers wonderful opportunities across all cultures and generations, celebrating heritages and diversity year-round, whether it’s diversity camps, LGBTQ leagues, Hispanic Heritage, or working with school systems throughout the state to provide programming where students can get to know, appreciate and partner with each other, building understanding, acceptance and confidence.
There are also plenty of youth and adult tournaments and leagues available for those with a more competitive appetite. Whether you compete for fun or have your eye on winning a national championship, a college tennis scholarship or maybe one day stepping onto center court at the US Open – the events, USPTA teaching pros and training programs abound. USTA League remains the largest recreational sports league in the U.S. and is expanding its offerings for younger players solely in the 18-39 age range this year.
Want to make a difference in your community? Become a volunteer! You can help with youth tennis, adult tennis, adaptive tennis working with wheelchair players, tennis for autistic or blind players and more. You can also make a difference by donating or volunteering with the USTA Florida Section Foundation which provides grants to deserving organizations throughout the state to have a positive impact in your community.
Volunteering is a fun way to make new friends, learn new skills like how to run events, earn community service hours and score a win by being of service to others.
So whether playing for “hits & giggles” or the adrenaline rush of a big win; just a beginner, social player or seasoned competitor; work in tennis or volunteer — you are in the game and part of the USTA Florida family.
