According to the American Heart Association, playing tennis is an excellent way to engage kids in regular physical activity to help them live longer, healthier lives. Although many school districts or recreation departments would like to offer a tennis program, it can seem financially out of reach. But the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has a program that can introduce children to tennis that’s easy and affordable.
If a school participates in the USTA program they have the opportunity to host a free, three-hour, interactive School Tennis Workshop for their PE teachers, tennis coaches, parents, and others interested in attending. Workshop hosts can qualify for free incentives including equipment, a set of laminated station signs, a copy of the USTA School Tennis Curriculum Kit, and a Tennis Skillastics Kit.
In addition, other resource materials are available including the Kids’ Tennis Club Playbook and the Partner with Schools Handbook. The USTA has successfully partnered with communities such as Ossining. The Mayor of the Village of Ossining, Victoria Gearity, says “Ossining is home to great tennis programs for kids thanks the partnership between the USTA, the Ossining Recreation and Parks Department, and a local nonprofit Ossining Community Tennis.”
Tennis is fun, easy, and safe. Tennis can be played anywhere – no courts are needed. The age-appropriate equipment available to schools allows kids to be successful right away and have fun playing tennis without having to try to play on a full-sized court with adult-sized equipment.
If your school is interested in participating contact Joe Steger at 282-4153. usta.com/schools.
