Tennis Starts with Love

Operation Metro Surge has had a profound impact on our Minnesota communities, and while we recognize its effects are not felt evenly across our Northern Section, we feel a responsibility to lean into our values and speak out in support of our immigrant, refugee, Indigenous, and historically marginalized communities.  For individuals most impacted by recent activities, speaking publicly can feel unsafe or expose them to additional scrutiny, and that silence can make the scope of the impact harder to see.

Recovery and healing will take time and intention, and it is more important than ever to ensure our courts remain a welcoming and safe space for everyone.  Tennis starts with love, and our community is hurting.  We are listening and will move forward with care, prioritizing the safety of our players and community partners.  Some actions we are taking now include:

• Community Visibility: Tennis Starts with Love pins will be distributed through USTA Northern events and partners starting this spring. Pick yours up and wear it as a symbol of your support for our diverse community of players.
• Philanthropic Support: USTA Northern matches board and staff donations to tennis charities throughout the section. This year, we’re expanding match eligibility to include a growing list of official fundraisers for immigrant families in need at Standwithminnesota.com.  Additionally, we have designated $10,000 to match any USTA Northern member donations to tennis programs serving historically marginalized communities.  To take advantage of our Tennis Starts with Love Donation Match, please submit your request here. 
• Well-Being and Healing Through Sport: We are partnering with the Center for Healing and Justice through Sport to raise awareness about the unique power sport has to heal.  Training will be offered in May for coaches, parents, and community leaders who want to gain practical tools and resources to integrate healing-centered strategies into tennis programming.
• Local Economic Support: Many businesses, including some tennis facilities, were forced to close during Operation Metro Surge to protect their staff and patrons. We’re prioritizing these businesses in purchasing food and other supplies for USTA Northern programs and operations.