Venom Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting health and wellness through fitness and sports, has recently benefited from an equipment grant provided by the USTA Florida Foundation. This grant has enabled the organization to enhance its tennis program, providing resources to families in low-income communities. 

Their tennis program includes several components designed to introduce adults and children to tennis and promote physical fitness. They offer Cardio, Quick Start, and Mini Tennis, all with different curriculums, but sharing the goal of getting people involved with tennis. 

Cardio Tennis is a group activity that brings new players to the sport by highlighting the sport’s exercise and fitness benefits. Venom uses it to show how tennis can be a fun and engaging workout. 

The Quick Start Tennis program is a progressive format that brings children into tennis by teaching basic skills in a structured manner. This program is especially beneficial for kids that have never played, allowing them to develop their abilities gradually. 

Mini Tennis targets players aged 10 and under, and uses shorter rackets, smaller courts, slower and softer balls, and simplified scoring. This format ensures that young players of all abilities can achieve success and enjoy the game. 

These programs also address a critical need in the community by offering free services to families with limited financial resources. Many children in these communities do not have access to sports activities or health education due to cost barriers.  

The equipment grant from the USTA Florida Foundation allowed Venom to purchase tons of racquets, balls, and nets for participants to use. Families and children who previously could not afford racquets or lessons now have access to high-quality gear, allowing them to participate fully in the tennis activities. The excitement and enthusiasm among the young players have noticeably increased with the availability of new racquets. 

The program has seen significant growth, with more community members joining and bringing their children to participate. This increased engagement highlights the program’s success in making tennis accessible to a broader audience. 

Venom Foundation plans to continue using the equipment for ongoing instruction during winter, spring, and fall sessions. The USTA Florida Foundation’s equipment grant has been instrumental in the success of Venom’s tennis program.  

To help aid these grants, you can donate to the Foundation in multiple ways. The USTA Florida Foundation “Play Tennis” License Plate is a great chance to show your tennis pride, with 90% of all proceeds going to the Foundation. Also, in honor of USTA Florida’s 75th year as an organization, the Foundation has a goal to raise $75,000 for 75 years!   

ABOUT THE USTA FLORIDA FOUNDATION  

With a mission of “Changing Lives through Tennis,” the USTA Florida Section Foundation provides financial support to organizations that help people of all ages and abilities improve their health and quality of life through the great game of tennis. To learn more or to apply for a grant go to ustafloridafoundation.com.