If there’s one thing that’s certain from 2023, it’s that Florida tennis continued to shine and grow in exceptional ways. From introducing a new managed facility to advocating for public parks across the state, it’s time to go all in and bet on tennis!
Four Pillars of Excellence: Our Facilities
At the end of 2023, USTA Florida now proudly manages four premier facilities that are becoming staples in the tennis community. The Racquet Club of Cocoa Beach (RCCB), Play Tennis Gainesville (PTG), Fort Walton Beach Tennis Center (FWB), and now Riverside Racquet Complex, are serving as hubs for tennis players and a place for community engagement to thrive.
Riverside Racquet Complex is USTA Florida’s newest managed facility.
Back in February, USTA Florida revealed that it was selected to manage Riverside Racquet Complex, a tennis facility located in the heart of Vero Beach. “We got into this business five years ago to help save public tennis centers that were at risk of closing or struggling to keep players,” said Phil Girardi, USTA Florida President.
Riverside Racquet Complex, led by Director of Tennis, Margot Carter, is making a difference in the Vero Beach community, offering a wide range of tennis opportunities for all ages. Riverside, along with RCCB, PTG, and FWB have become focal points for USTA Florida’s collective mission that tennis is for all.
Public Park Support: A Foundation for Inclusivity
Advocacy for public parks has been a top priority of USTA Florida the past year and in a goal to make tennis accessible to all, the organization put extra emphasis on this. According to the Tennis Industry Association’s 2023 Florida Tennis Participation Report, more than 1.6 million Florida residents currently play the sport, and another 1.7 million said they want to play.
By investing in community facilities, parks, and courts, USTA Florida has not only provided essential resources but has also ensured that tennis becomes a sport for everyone. Public parks serve as the heartbeat of tennis, creating a love for the game among players of all ages and backgrounds.
Tennis Is Healthy
May was not just a month, it was a celebration of health, growth, and the love for the game during National Tennis Month. USTA Florida’s initiatives aimed to highlight the physical, mental, and social benefits of the sport. From encouraging and promoting play opportunities to organizing community events, USTA Florida celebrated the sport that is bringing joy to nearly 10% of the state’s population.
Tennis helps put a smile on everyone’s face.
While playing tennis can be extremely fun, it also has so many benefits in your everyday life. Studies show that playing for just three hours a week can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by 56%. Another long-term study shows that tennis players add 9.7 years to their life over those that tend to be sedentary.
Tennis can also be one the greatest teachers for both children and adults. Learning to face adversity on the court and pushing yourself to the limit helps build character. The game also promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, while improving hand-eye coordination, agility, balance, and so much more.
As 2023 comes to an end, and learning about the health benefits of the game, why not bet on tennis? It’s one of the fastest growing sports, not only in the states, but worldwide, and it’s sitting right in your backyard! Visit ustaflorida.com/local-play and find the out how you can start tennis today!
