USTA Iowa, US Soccer Foundation unite to expand sports opportunities for girls

Let’s play a little word association.

Peanut butter and … ? Of course, you said, “sardines.”

Let’s try again. Cookies and … ? “Celery.”

OK, one more. Tennis and … ? “Soccer.”

While some people may like one of these combinations, and each grouping is in the same general category, they’re not the most likely response.

But thanks to USTA Iowa and the U.S. Soccer Foundation, that last pairing of tennis and soccer is going to become a reality this spring.

USTA Iowa is partnering with the U.S. Soccer Foundation for a free three-session program called “Recruiting Girls into Sports.” The program focuses on recruiting females into sports by increasing opportunities, providing female coach-mentors and creating inclusive environments in underresourced communities.

There is a high dropout rate in youth sports—especially among girls—and this program will address barriers to participation through grants, new strategies, specialized training and community-based programs.

Key Event Details

The first of the one-day events is March 22 in Cedar Rapids at Elmcrest Country Club. The other two events are April 19 at Ames Fitness Center South and June 7 at Quad City Tennis Club in Moline, Ill.

Each presentation will be broken into three segments, appealing to a wide range of participants from beginners to more advanced tennis players. The first segment at each event will be an informative Q&A with representatives from the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

The second and third segments will focus on Red Ball Tennis, which “drops the pressure and dials up the fun of the classic game we all love,” according to RedBallTennis.com. “Whether you’re new to the game, coming back after a break or just looking to get active, Red Ball makes it easy to jump in. No formal courts, no strict rules, just high-energy play whenever and wherever you want.”

The Red Ball Tennis programming this partnership is building is exclusively for girls who are 7 to 9 years old. High school-aged girls and adult women can learn how to better coach or mentor youth players. Participants must attend the first segment to participate in the final two segments.

USTA Iowa Hall of Famer and longtime tennis coach Bunny Bruning is running the Red Ball Tennis on-court activity.

“We encourage supervisors or recreation programmers from local park and recreation departments, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, indoor tennis clubs, Community Tennis Associations and sports-related organizations wanting new strategies to grow programs,” said John Terpkosh, USTA Iowa strategic plan coordinator. “These events are for organizations, instructors and coaches looking to add a new team sport offering for young girls this summer.

“The two sports may be vastly different, but many of the same challenges apply to both. The lack of quality coaching and opportunities to play as frequently as desired are two of the biggest challenges for girls to advance in their sports skills. We want to change that. We’re excited to be working with the U.S. Soccer Foundation.”

Terpkosh noted the presentations are good for a variety of sports, not just tennis and soccer. Registration is free for all participants but must be completed by March 10 to secure a spot. To register, contact Terpkosh at USTAIowaSPC@gmail.com or 816-780-1047.

For more information about the Recruiting Girls into Sports sessions, check out this flyer.