Tag: donate to tennis

Tennis: A Game-Changer for Health and Community Well-Being

In an era of rising sedentary lifestyles and chronic diseases, the need for accessible, engaging, and effective fitness solutions has never been greater. Tennis is more than just a sport, it is a catalyst for healthier individuals and stronger communities. Research underscores the profound impact tennis has on physical and mental health, social cohesion, and overall community well-being. By supporting the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation, donors have the power to bring these benefits to underserved populations, transforming lives both on and off the court.

The Science-Backed Health Benefits of Tennis

A Longer, Healthier Life
Studies have shown that tennis players live an average of 9.7 years longer than those who lead sedentary lifestyles. A landmark study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that racket sports like tennis significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, thanks to their combination of aerobic exercise, agility, and hand-eye coordination (Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2018).

Cardiovascular and Physical Fitness
Playing tennis for just three hours per week reduces the risk of heart disease by 56% (British Journal of Sports Medicine). The sport enhances endurance, builds muscle strength, and improves balance and coordination, making it an ideal lifelong fitness activity.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
Tennis is not only good for the body but also a powerful tool for mental health. A study from Harvard Medical School highlights how regular physical activity, such as tennis, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. The combination of physical movement, social interaction, and mental strategy helps boost endorphin levels and enhance cognitive function.

Social Connection and Community Impact
Tennis is unique in its ability to bring people together across generations, backgrounds, and skill levels. Programs like Girls Rule the Court™ create safe, inclusive spaces where young girls can develop friendships, teamwork, and leadership skills. These connections have a ripple effect, strengthening community bonds and fostering a sense of belonging.

Your Support Makes a Difference

Despite tennis’s proven health and social benefits, not everyone has access to the sport. Many communities, particularly in underserved areas, lack the necessary resources—courts, equipment, coaching, and structured programs—to introduce children and adults to the game. The USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is committed to breaking these barriers, providing free and low-cost programs that make tennis accessible to all.

By donating, you are:

  • Supporting initiatives such as the Community Engagement Grant that offers financial assistance to local providers and coaches in facilitating community tennis programs.
  • Providing youth with opportunities to develop confidence, discipline, and leadership skills through programs like  Girls Rule the Court™ 
  • Helping lower the cost of a tennis lesson and equipment for a junior tennis player through our Jr. Player Scholarship. 
  • Creating  a healthier, more connected community through the power of sport through our Facility Restoration Grant, which provides funding to restore tennis courts in our communities.  

Join Us in Making a Lasting Impact

Tennis changes lives—and you can be part of that transformation. Your contribution to the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation directly supports initiatives that bring the health benefits of tennis to those who need them most. Whether you’re a lifelong player, a health advocate, or someone who believes in the power of sport to uplift communities, your generosity will create a lasting impact.

Together, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more connected society..

Donate today and be a champion for promoting tennis for healthier communities.

group photo at Mubadala Citi DC Open.

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Raises $13,000 for Junior Player Scholarships

Ben Solomon/Mubadala Citi DC Open

Congratulations to Cathy Porter and Eleanor McManus for being our 2024 Summer Smash Challenge Winners! Together, they formed a fundraising team to raise money for Junior Player Scholarships, which will benefit 89 recipients this year in the Mid-Atlantic.

With the help of our Summer Smash matching donors, Chris Gilman and Scott Hulsey, the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation raised $13,000, which will help junior tennis players offset costs associated with playing tennis such as equipment, lessons, and entry fees. These scholarships have supported players like Jaelynn Perez, who used the scholarship to help pay for tennis lessons and equipment and reached the finals in her first tennis tournament.

The Summer Smash Challenge is an annual fundraising campaign where individuals form teams to compete to raise the most funds for youth tennis scholarships. The check was presented during the Mubadala Citi DC Open on July 31, 2024, at Rock Creek Park. Tynika Wilson, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s USTA Delegate, accepted the check on behalf of USTA Mid-Atlantic. We also want to take the time to say thank you to Tennis Topia and Pickleball and our matching donors for helping grow youth tennis in the Mid-Atlantic community!

Ben Solomon/Mubadala Citi DC Open

Summer Smash Challenge is one of many ways you can help grow and promote tennis in the Mid-Atlantic. Learn how you can help grow tennis and promote tennis in the Mid-Atlantic community by visiting www.ustafoundationmidatlantic.org.

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USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being. Your support can create a lasting impact in a young player’s life. Help us continue growing tennis in the Mid-Atlantic and fostering character, community, and well-being. Make your gift today.

Building the Next 100 Years of Tennis!

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation believes that tennis creates community. Tennis allows people to improve their physical health and wellness, mental development, social skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and so much more. The benefits of tennis are especially important for helping young people become active and healthy adults. And for 100 years, the mission to grow the sport has endured and is more important than ever.

However, the cost of tennis lessons, camp fees, or equipment can add up and become a barrier to accessing the sport. To help defray the costs associated with tennis, USTA Mid-Atlantic offers Junior Player Scholarships for applicants at every level of the sport. These scholarships are made possible by the generous gifts and donations from our tennis community. And the need in the tennis community is apparent with application submissions increasing significantly each year.

In 2021, USTA Mid-Atlantic introduced the Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge with proceeds benefiting the Junior Player Scholarship. This year, the goal was to raise $10,000 to help make more scholarships for youth tennis players available, thus provide the opportunity for them to develop a love and appreciation for tennis.

YOU SMASHED THE GOAL!

The 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge raised $16,250, exceeding the goal set. Additionally, of the Mid-Atlantic community members that participated, 74 percent were new supporters. 

Adding to this year’s success was a generous matching gift provided by an anonymous donor. This match was for first time Summer Smash donations or for increased gifts by those who participated in the 2022 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge. This matching gift was critical to the overall success of the fundraising challenge and ability to smash the goal set. As evidenced by the increase in new supporters and numerous repeat supporters who increased their donations in 2023, this matching gift motivated and inspired everyone.

Congratulations to the following teams for raising the most money in the 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge:

1st Place: Heritage High School Boys & Girls Tennis Team led by Jennifer Parker

2nd Place: Tennis Angels led by Kelly Stanley 

3rd Place: Junior Scholarship Fundraising Team led by Amy O’Brien 

4th Place: Tynika Wilson

The top four teams who raised the most money had a chance to pick from an amazing list of prizes. The prizes included: 

  • A Mubadala Citi DC Open Experience: Included 15 tickets for the team to attend the 2023 event in Washington D.C.
  • Boar’s Head Resort: A two hour clinic for up to 8 players and beverages for after the clinic at Three Notch’d Brewery in Charlottesville. 
  • Dave Marshall Tennis Camp: A two hour clinic for up to 8 players in Rehoboth Beach  with a $25 Tennis Warehouse gift card. 
  • Wintergreen Resort: A two hour clinic for up to 8 players with team apparel from Thirty Love.  

USTA Mid-Atlantic is grateful for the generosity and support of all who participated in the 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge and our generous anonymous donor, especially during this special Centennial year. 

While the 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge is over, you can still make a gift to support scholarships and other programs in the Mid-Atlantic. Your gift can increase access to tennis so everyone, especially those in marginalized communities, can experience the benefits of the sport for the next 100 years.

Together, we continue to create community through tennis for all now and for the next 100 years!  

To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being. 

Falling Into a Tennis Routine

The first day of fall is here and as the seasons change, so can your tennis routine. Gone are the long, easy-going days of summer where you could be out on the tennis court for hours. Now, the fall frenzy is here with its faster pace, back-to-school, back to the office, lot’s on the to-do-list before the end of the year vibe. Your head might be spinning in circles wondering how you’re going to balance it all! 

That’s where tennis can come in! 

Getting into a routine that consistently includes tennis can help you find balance while gaining physical and social well-being. Fall is a great time to focus on tennis for youth and adults alike.  

Here are three easy ways to ensure you and your family are set up for success this fall making tennis part of your life.

Tip #1: Try a New Tennis League Type or One Where You Control the Schedule

In the Mid-Atlantic, if you are into playing organized tennis the fall is a great time to try a different type of USTA League program than what you may have played in the spring or throughout the summer. This time of year you can find league types such as Combo and Tri-Level which are formats that bring different level players together to form a team. This is a fun way to play with different people and expand your tennis community. Not only that, it can be a way to up-level your own game as you pair up and compete with those at different NTRP levels giving you exposure to different styles and levels of tennis play. Plus, this time of year can be a little more low-key and relaxed in these league types, but still with great competition and fun. Find what is being offered in your local area and register now. 

When your schedule becomes too hectic, how can you fit in your tennis time? We have the perfect idea for you and that is joining a USTA Mid-Atlantic Flex League! 

Flex Leagues provide the opportunity for you to still compete in tennis all the while creating your own schedule to do it! You choose the location, date, and time to play your matches, perfectly crafting all the details to meet your needs. Fall 2022 Flex Leagues have started but you can get involved at any point in time! 

If you’ve been hitting around recreationally this past summer or took some tennis lessons and are ready to take the next step, we’ve got you covered. This fall, there are new beginner “mini leagues,” for tennis that are a great next step after taking tennis lessons. This program helps you get acquainted with playing tennis on a League team. We’ve also got different social tennis opportunities too. Check out what’s being offered and sign up! 

Maybe this summer you watched some exciting professionals play tennis and you’re ready to become more than a fan. Visit our Welcome to Tennis hub to learn about all the ways you can get into the sport in the Mid-Atlantic. 

Tip #2: Find Extracurricular Activities for the Kiddos 

Back to school time is always an adjustment for kids. Although they are in school all day, children are still full of energy when they get home from school. Research has shown that getting children involved in extracurricular activities not only helps their social skills but also helps develop them mentally. “Kids do best when they have structure and routine, and those involved in extracurriculars perform better academically,” said Dr. Harpreet Kaur, a licensed clinical psychologist for kids and teens in California. 

Getting children involved in youth sports is not always easy for every family. According to a recent study by PEW Research, socioeconomic status plays a role in whether children generally participate in various activities after school. At USTA Mid-Atlantic, our top priority is increasing access to tennis so that ALL people can experience the life-long benefits of the sport. One such program contributing to our mission is Girls Rule the Court™ (GRTC). GRTC is a free to low-cost program that aims to promote health, wellness, and teamwork while building self-esteem through tennis for young girls. Girls find access and connection to the lifelong sport of tennis while growing their technical, tactical, and performance skills. They create meaningful and beneficial connections while engaging in important dialogue about teamwork, empowerment, and the benefits of moving your body. Learn more about this program and how you can get involved. 

You can also find an array of fun and developmentally appropriate junior programs offered in the Mid-Atlantic to get kids into tennis this fall. 

Bonus Tip: Apply for a USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Player Scholarship to help with costs associated with tennis for your child. This can be for ANY level player – beginner, intermediate or advanced – and can help with tennis class registration fees, lessons, equipment and more. The Scholarship application is available now and accepting applications until October 17, 2022! 

Tip #3: Volunteer with USTA Mid-Atlantic! 

Lets face it, you still might not be able to make it to the courts this season with your busy schedule but there are still ways you can leave your mark on the tennis community year-round! Volunteering is a great way to still be involved with tennis while also making a direct impact on the section. There are many ways to volunteer such as at local events, community events, committees, and more! The best part is, you choose what works best for your schedule. Another way of contributing is through donating. Our USTA Mid-Atlantic Serve Squad is a dedicated and passionate community sustained by supporters on a mission to grow and develop the sport of tennis for all people throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Serve Squad continues to give on a monthly basis in hope to ensure tennis is accessible to all. 

We sure hope all of these tips help you FALL in love with your new tennis routine! 

To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

How the Youth Player Scholarship Grew Thanks to the Summer Smash

At the beginning of the summer, we asked for all hands on deck to fundraise for youth players in the section through our Mid-Atlantic fundraising challenge, Summer Smash. We asked you to step up, team up, and help raise money to fund more scholarships for youth players that help cover tennis expenses and enable youth players to start – and stay – in tennis. 

Earlier in 2022, USTA Mid-Atlantic received an overwhelming number of applications for scholarships, more than we had ever received in prior years. The scholarship funding, which is supported by generous gifts made by the tennis community, was fully exhausted as we awarded funds to as many applicants in need as possible. And there were many more youth players that still needed help. 

Growing tennis for all individuals and increasing access to the sport helps introduce tennis to players that may not have had the opportunity to participate. It opens the doors to potential pathways for success and personal growth. This is especially important among youth and in areas where resources are limited. The USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Player Scholarship helps fill in the gaps to keep tennis expenses lower.  With so many applicants seeking help from the scholarship fund, we knew we had to do something to answer their call. 

That is why we needed YOU in the Summer Smash.

This year’s Summer Smash challenge brought together friends, family, and even old teammates for a summer full of fundraising! Six teams got their communities and networks to raise money toward the fundraiser for scholarships. 

The goal was to raise $5,000 to fund more youth player scholarships and respond to the growing need among players and their families/caregivers. In the end that goal was smashed, and the total amount raised was $8,534! We expect to be able to award at least 20 additional players with scholarships this year! 

“I am really grateful for my teammates and friends that wanted to support the scholarship program,” said the leader of the top fundraising team, Amy O’Brien. “I want someone that does not have the same opportunity to play tennis to have a chance to play in a sport that can be life changing.”

The dedication from all of the teams to raise funds and the generous gifts the teams received make it possible that more youth can apply for and receive scholarships for tennis. It means that more youth in the Mid-Atlantic will ultimately continue their journey in tennis, experiencing the life-long benefits from the game. 

So, let’s congratulate the teams who smashed the 2022 Summer Smash fundraising goal: 

  • 1st Place: Amy O’Brien’s Team
  • 2nd Place: Chris Lee’s Team “Leegal Eagles” 
  • 3rd Place: Tynika Wilson’s Team

Each winner received various prizes including:

1st Place: Citi Open Team Experience! Included 15 tickets for the team to attend the 2022 Citi Open in Washington, DC.

2nd Place: A set of custom tennis shirts for the entire team and customized team cooler from the Spoiled Office AND a 2-hour tennis clinic for 12 at The Boar’s Head Resort. 

3rd Place: Included 15 $50 Gift Cards to TennisTopia, one for each member of the team AND a 2-hour tennis clinic for 12 at Wintergreen Resort.  

Thank you to all individuals who participated, and all who made gifts to support the fundraising challenge. YOU are the reason more young people can participate in tennis. 

Looking to join in on the fun?

The next fundraising challenge will take place in 2023.

While this challenge may be over for now, you can still make a gift to support scholarships and other programs that help make tennis accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic. When you make a gift you help tennis create community, character and well-being among all people for years to come. 

If you’re looking for more ways to get involved, we have plenty of additional ways to play so you can leave your mark today!

To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.