Helping Youth Thrive Through Tennis, Together!

Every child should have the chance to experience the joy and growth that comes from playing tennis. The spark of learning something new, the fun of making friends, the confidence that builds with each swing, these are powerful moments that can change a life.

But for some families, getting started in tennis is not that simple. Lessons, gear, tournament entry fees and training costs can quickly become roadblocks. These barriers can prevent kids from experiencing all that tennis has to offer.

That is why we fundraise.

The Summer Smash Challenge gives our community a way to rally together so that more youth players can access the sport and all the benefits that come with it. When you give, you are helping remove financial barriers and ensuring that all children have the chance to learn, grow and thrive through tennis.

Your support directly funds the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s Junior Player Scholarship Program. This year, all money raised through Summer Smash will go toward these scholarships, helping more kids stay in the game and continue their tennis journey.

Since 2018, scholarship applications have increased by more than 2,700%. In 2024 alone, the Foundation awarded 262 scholarships totaling more than $64,000. And still, the need continues to grow. By participating in the Summer Smash Challenge, you are helping meet this demand head-on so more youth players can stay in the game.

Compete for a Cause

Here are the easy steps to get your fundraiser on a roll: 

1. SIGN UP:
   Click here to register as an individual with the option to join a team later!

2. SHARE YOUR PAGE:
   Personalize your page with your tennis story, photos and videos then share the news with your network.

3. GET MORE SUPPORTERS:
   Ask your friends and tennis teammates to join your team; you can send them a custom link to sign up on your dashboard. Also, share your fundraising page with friends and family asking them to support you so that more kids can experience the benefits of tennis!

Here are four tips to help guide you toward a successful fundraiser:

• Make your first donation to your page. Five, ten or twenty-five dollars is a great way to get started and show others you really care.
  
  

• Invite your fellow tennis players to join your fundraising team so that together you can reach your goal.
  
  

• Share your fundraising page with family and friends and ask them to help you reach your goal. Share it through a text message, Facebook, Instagram or email. Friends help friends that ask.

• Send thank you notes to all who donate to your page and let them know they are helping to change lives through the sport of tennis.

The Perks of the Summer Smash

We all know tennis players thrive on a good challenge. So why not turn that competitive spirit into something meaningful? By going all in with your fundraising, you and your team could score some incredible rewards!

Treat your team to a standout experience at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open. The top fundraising team will receive 15 tickets to attend the tournament in Washington, D.C., hosted in the USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation suite, plus a special on-court recognition moment.

That’s not all! Once you register, keep an eye on your email and follow us on our social media platforms. Weekly prizes will be up for grabs throughout the challenge for teams and individuals who stand out in creativity, teamwork and hustle.

The challenge runs from May 14 - July 14, 2025. Whether you are solo or rallying with a team, now is the time to get started!

Getting involved in Summer Smash is an amazing way to start making a difference in your local tennis community. And if you are looking to do more, there are so many ways to stay involved year-round and keep growing the game across the Mid-Atlantic.

Questions? Reach out to Anita Walker, USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation Director of Development.

Terms and Conditions for the Summer Smash Challenge can be found here.

Subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation’s YouTube Channel and follow @ustamidatlantic on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

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 region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.