Free Tennis Line Grants for School, After-School Available Until Nov. 6

For a limited time, new and existing school tennis programs at school sites or other facilities can receive free blended lines on playgrounds, gyms, blacktops, tennis courts, or other surfaces from the USTA national organization.

Painting lines for permanent 36-foot and 60-foot tennis courts for 10 and Under Tennis is the next step in creating permanency and changing the face of tennis in America. The USTA is happy to partner with communities to grow 10 and Under Tennis across the U.S.

Blended Lines are permanent 36-foot and 60-foot tennis lines on an existing 78-foot tennis court or on other surfaces where children play. Blended lines on tennis courts are always painted using the same color family as the playing surface — in a lighter or darker shade, depending on personal preference — and are 1.5 inches in width. Blended lines never intersect 78-foot tennis court lines, as they stop 3 inches away from all 78-foot tennis court lines. Please view this Blended Line Photo Gallery for examples.

Adding blended lines make it easier for organizers and teachers to offer tennis at school, and make it easier for students to learn and excel at the game. What is now referred to as USTA Youth Tennis or USTA 10 and Under Tennis makes tennis kid-sized and fun. Smaller racquets, court sizes, lower- and slower-bouncing balls that allow for longer rallies and net play, have made the game more fun and engaging for children.

The deadline for applying is Nov. 6, 2015, and proof of project completion must be submitted by Dec. 31.

To apply go to www.usta.com/linegrants.