USTA New England Unveils Three-Year Strategic Plan

WESTBOROUGH, MA - USTA New England is excited to announce that our new strategic plan is here! The plan is our roadmap and commitment to our New England tennis industry from 2024-2026. 

Over the course of this year, a task force comprised of board members and staff was intentional and thorough in its process to learn about our tennis community's needs in our ever-changing environment. Its thoughtful process garnered a 1700% in community engagement over the last strategic planning process - showing us we have a true pulse on our industry. We are confident that our new plan will provide the roadmap needed to carry us through the next three years and we invite you to join us in our efforts in your local community.

2024-2026 Strategic Plan

Strategic Pillar: Engagement

Engagement throughout our ecosystem is vital to building a foundation of inclusive and accessible tennis throughout New England. We will grow and maximize player participation through engaging, quality tennis experiences and a clear player pathway for all.

Key Initiatives

• Facilitate accessible and inclusive programming at public facilities.

• Through lead generation efforts, capture data on new and non-usta tennis players, and evaluate and structure new and current opportunities based on results.

• Revitalize tennis in schools by training & equipping PE teachers to deliver tennis in schools and advance connections to after-school play opportunities.

• Introduce students to team play through middle and high school tennis programming in-season and off-season.

• Retain players throughout the recreational and competitive player program pathway.

• Establish strategic partnerships that support filling engagement gaps.

• Engage with other complementary racquet sports in a way that furthers the organization’s ability to deliver on its mission to promote and develop the growth of tennis.

Strategic Pillar: People & Organizational Capacity Development

To ensure the health and innovation of the tennis industry, continuous education and improvements both within organizations and with industry professionals are critical. We will invest in initiatives that build and develop capacity through professional development opportunities, collaboration, resources, tools and training for our tennis community.

Key Initiatives

• Recruit coaches to grow programs & engage new and current players.

• Facilitate continuing education by offering accessible and approachable curriculum and training for coaches in partnership with coaching organizations.

• Provide mentorship and networking opportunities to create a pathway that is appealing and fulfilling for part-time and full-time coaches.

• Develop a clear volunteer pathway and launch a grassroots volunteer program that extends the reach of the organization.

• Develop and launch a comprehensive Capacity Building program (training, skills-based learning, mentorship, resource development & support) to give community organizations resources to strengthen and develop a roadmap for long-term impact.
  
  

Strategic Pillar: Access

The quality of our court and facility infrastructure is imperative to delivering accessible tennis-playing

opportunities to all. We commit to protecting our current infrastructure and providing opportunities

for our community to champion the growth of tennis into the future.

Key Initiatives

• Complete a comprehensive court & programming audit as well as a gaps analysis of tennis facilities within New England.

• Develop and launch a data-driven formal advocacy program to empower and inform key decision-makers.

• Develop and test for scale grassroots tennis & pickleball cohorts that collaborate on improving and/or growing facility access to both sports equitably in their communities.

• Explore different strategies with the New England Tennis & Education Foundation to support infrastructure investment needs while prioritizing municipalities and nonprofits.

• Develop and launch a Shared Facility Business Program for Facility Owners & Operators to promote excellence in facility management.

To view the full strategic plan in PDF form, click here.