In 2024, the USTA Florida Foundation continued its mission of enhancing communities through tennis by awarding 67 grants totaling over $350,000 to programs and organizations across the state. These grants provided vital funding to support youth programs, adaptive tennis initiatives, public tennis facilities, and community outreach projects.  

Through these grants, the Foundation has strengthened access to tennis for players of all ages and abilities. Programs in communities across the state were able to receive resources to deliver impactful programming to anyone who wanted to participate. 

One program that received funding was able to introduce Ronald, a child, to the sport, and he has fallen in love with it. “Ronald grew up playing football, a sport he loved and never thought to replace. When we started our tennis program, Ronald’s parents encouraged him to try something new since he wasn’t playing football during the week,” a Boys and Girls Club spokesperson said. “Initially hesitant, Ronald decided to give it a chance. To everyone’s surprise, he learned quickly and became one of the standout participants. By the end of the program, Ronald was not only excelling but also helping other children by teaching them the skills he had mastered.”

From after-school programs and camps to adult beginner programs and wheelchair tennis, these initiatives have brought tennis to new audiences, ensuring tennis can be experienced by everyone in the community. On top of these grants, the Foundation also provided support to facilities and programs that were set back due to hurricane season. 

These grants allowed equipment purchases, coaching support, and program development to provide a fun tennis experiences to athletes of all abilities. Some examples of funding in action included court resurfacing, purchasing new equipment, repairing facilities, upgrading lighting, and many other ways to expand playing opportunities.  

Another program was able to influence the lives of many children, who had never played tennis before. “Most of the children in the program had no prior knowledge of tennis, but by the end of the eight weeks, they had learned essential skills such as hitting, positioning, and proper footwork. They also gained confidence in their abilities and discovered a new love for the sport. Many participants expressed pride in their progress, and the program successfully fostered teamwork, physical activity, and personal growth.”

The USTA Florida Foundation remains dedicated to supporting programs that make tennis accessible to all. By awarding over $350,000 in grants this past year, the USTA Florida Foundation continues to empower communities, inspire new players, and ensure the sport thrives throughout Florida.  

For more information on the USTA Florida Foundation and its ongoing efforts to support tennis programs, visit ustafloridafoundation.com.