Midwest

Families, neighbors try tennis for free at 97 local Play Tennis Midwest events!

June 01, 2022

Midwest volunteers and tennis enthusiasts helped organize 97 free Play Tennis Midwest events across local courts May 13-15, 2022 to celebrate National Tennis Month! For a second year in a row, Play Tennis Midwest gave kids and adults a chance to try tennis and have fun! This year we introduced more than 1,900 new players to the game of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

 

Since 2019, tennis participation has grown significantly (Forbes, Racquet Sports Industry Magazine, USTA.com) with 4.9 million more people taking to the courts. Many of those participants wanted to pick up a new sport that was easy to learn and safe to play in a pandemic. That’s why the USTA Midwest continues to host Play Tennis Midwest events — to encourage beginners who are new to the game and anyone looking to make their tennis comeback!

 

Play Tennis Midwest events required zero cost to play and racquets were provided onsite! Participants took home a free t-shirt and many players won water bottles, tennis bags, and other goodies!

 

Each and every event had volunteers and community partners who committed an incredible amount of time, effort and resources towards making Play Tennis Midwest a blast for everybody! Coaches and organizers like former Paralympian, Paul Moran from Illinois, the Capitol City Tennis Club in Indiana, Palmer Park in Michigan, the City of Toledo, Ohio, Clovis Grove Elementary School in Wisconsin and so many more pitched in to help; we thank you!

Our events were highlighted on local TV and radio stations, and received coverage from several print and digital media publications. Check it out: USTA Midwest received a shoutout on Cleveland.com ahead of its nearby events. Click here.

 

Before events ended, each player received information on Tennis 101 - Beginner Tennis Lessons for Kids and Adults, summer camps and more ways to follow up and keep playing!

 

Parents and players have been reaching out to USTA Midwest and local districts following Play Tennis Midwest events looking for additional play opportunities.

 

USTA Midwest was thrilled to meet every new player who stepped onto the courts to celebrate Play Tennis Midwest and National Tennis Month! We hope each participant discovered a new passion in tennis: a sport for a lifetime!

Another big thank you to our districts and volunteers who made Play Tennis Midwest an absolute success — rain or shine, and yes we did experience rain in some states! The players had a lot of fun.

 

Be sure to check out our USTA Midwest social media channels to find pictures from all 58 event sites! Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

If you attended a Play Tennis Midwest event and have a special story to share, we want to hear from you! Please email us at ustamidwest@gmail.com.

An event participant having fun despite the rain!
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