Thirty-one days and even more ways to get involved in tennis lie ahead as May kicks off Play Tennis Month in the U.S.
How to get involved in Florida:
TAKE PART IN AN EVENT
Tennis events across Florida range from free beginner programs (Tennis 101) to fun, no-pressure social leagues (Tennis on Tap in Orlando, Brevard Brewsters, Jax Parks Social League, Clearwater, Nassau County) to Net Generation programs for kids (presented by First Serve Miami, among others), free Cardio Tennis (Orlando and other locations), a USTA Florida Spring Team Tennis Challenge (Altamonte Springs), youth and adult tournaments and more. To view all the events or search for your favorites (or register your event as a provider) go to www.ustaflorida.com/events.
TENNIS ON TV
Tennis Channel and beIN Sports in the U.S. are covering the May run-up to the French Open. The second week of May sees the top-level ATP/WTA combined Mutua Madrid Open in Spain, with all clay court paths leading to Roland Garros (or the “Rafael Nadal Open”) beginning on May 27.
USTA LEAGUES
Is it time to reaquaint with old friends, or make new friends in local USTA League play? Leagues are forming now in 18 & Over, 40 & Over, 55 & Over divisions and more, and leagues such as Combo and Tri-Level let you play on teams with friends of different NTRP levels. To see available leagues in your area go to www.ustaflorida.com/local-contacts/?contact_program=usta-leagues.
NET GENERATION
The new youth initiative formally debuts in May, when TV commercials and USTA national marketing campaigns throughout the summer will drive parents to www.NetGeneration.com to look for play opportunities. Florida summer tennis camps are also participating in the #SummerOfNetGeneration, where parents can also find a list of camps to get kids on the court when school is out. If your child is more competitive, another play option is Junior Team Tennis.
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CARDIO TENNIS
Casual play opportunities such as Cardio Tennis and social tennis (one-time events or 4-6 week play opportunities) are fast gaining popularity, especially among younger adults. Check out Cardio Tennis play opportunities and social play opportunities in Florida. In addition, May 5 will be National Cardio Tennis Day, with participating facilities offering Cardio Tennis challenges, sessions and programming.
GET A FLORIDA ‘PLAY TENNIS!’ LICENSE PLATE
Show your support of Florida tennis with a “Play Tennis!” license plate on your car. Ninety percent of all proceeds from the “Play Tennis!” plate allow the USTA Florida Section Foundation to assist charitable organizations in operating tennis programs for Florida’s youth and special-needs populations, as well as with building and renovating public tennis courts. Foundation grants offer funding for youth tennis programs, adaptive tennis programs for those with special needs, community tennis programs in economically challenged areas, along with facility assistance in the renovation, refurbishment, and building of quality public tennis facilities. To learn more go to www.ustafloridafoundation.com/get-involved/play-tennis-plate.
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SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY PROGRAM GRANTS
Play Tennis Month events will include fundraisers to benefit PHIT America GO! Grants, which provide funds for physical education in schools, including supporting equipment and curriculum for the Net Generation youth tennis initiative. Community tennis and schools programs can also check out grant opportunities from the USTA Florida Section Foundation, which has given more that $1 million to support Florida community tennis programs, from building new courts to underwriting schools programs and adaptive tennis, over the last eight years.
Why is it so important to rally your family, friends and community members onto the courts? The latest statistics on physical inactivity in America show that less than 25 percent of children in America are physically active three times a week, and more than 25 percent of all Americans are considered totally inactive; 48 percent of high schools across the country have no P.E. classes, and childhood fitness levels in the United States rank 47th out of 50 countries.
Time to get on the courts!
Check out the links above and make May your Play Tennis Month.
