What can USTA Eastern do for you?
Schools and After School Providers that become USTA Organizational Members and commit to a comprehensive tennis program qualify for various benefits. In-school/Physical Education (PE) tennis programs receive:
- Access to PE Teacher In-service Trainings -- 3-hour, interactive workshops that demonstrate how to quickly transform the school gym or playground into a dynamic, tennis-playing environment. These workshops complement a teacher’s large group management skills and allow students to experience instant success in a fun and safe manner.
- Availability of discounted equipment and possibly free equipment if there is a demonstrated link to an after school program. Modified tennis equipment, including easy-to-rally tennis balls and portable nets make the game fun and engaging from the moment a child first picks up a racquet.
- Access to the USTA School Tennis Curriculum Kit that contains newly developed teacher-friendly lesson plans, station signs, and instructional DVD’s to assist teachers with limited or no previous tennis experience.
While tennis in PE class is a great introduction, a fun, follow-up opportunity is key to keeping kids involved in the sport of tennis and active in general. This opportunity often takes place after school, but it can also take place before school, during recess, or over the summer. A teacher or coach may choose to run a program, or students can be referred to a specific follow-up program offered in the area. Ideally, after-school programs are intramural or interscholastic leagues where kids get to play on a team for their school. Schools that are committed to providing an after-school interscholastic or intramural program are eligible to receive a start-up or expansion grant. You may want to partner with a local Community Tennis Association (CTA) or National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) Program for assistance. After School Providers receive:
- Access to training including After School Organizer Workshops and Recreational Coach Workshops (RCW).
- Availability of free and/or discounted equipment. Modified tennis equipment, including easy-to-rally tennis balls and portable nets make the game fun and engaging from the moment a child first picks up a racquet.
- Access to the After School Tennis Organizer Kit and ‘How-to Manuals’ for conducting team-based after school programs at all levels.
For more information, contact Joe Steger.
Why Tennis in School?
- "Playing tennis is an excellent way to engage kids in regular physical activity to help them live longer, healthier lives." (American Heart Association)
- Tennis players score higher in vigor, optimism, and self-esteem, and lower in depression, anger, confusion, anxiety, and tension than other athletes and non-athletes. (Dr. Joan Finn and colleagues at Southern Connecticut University)
- Tennis outperforms golf, running, weight-lifting, and many other sports in developing positive personality characteristics like sociability, mental focus, competitiveness, adventurousness, spontaneity, creativity, and assertiveness. (Dr. Jim Galvin, author of The Exercise Habit)
- The average person burns more calories playing tennis than doing low impact aerobics, weightlifting, riding a stationary bike, hiking, walking a golf course, or playing softball, baseball, or volleyball. (www.nutristrategy.com)
- Over 20% of children ages 6-18 are overweight, and that number has increased 200% over the past 3 decades. A recent study by the National Association for Sports & Physical Education showed that physically fit children performed better academically. Tennis is one of the few sports that can be played for a lifetime and uniquely benefits children like no other sport. Through tennis kids gain both physical and psychological benefits.