Because Every Child Belongs

USTA Mid-Atlantic Section is on a mission to make tennis the most accessible sport in the region by helping people and communities grow stronger, healthier, and more connected through tennis. Our goal is to bring tennis to all, especially children, in the Mid-Atlantic.

Thanks to you and your gift your tax-deductible donation directly supports increased access to tennis in the Mid-Atlantic through our programs, such as our Youth After School and Summer Camp Tennis Program, our Safe Places to Play Facility Assistance Program and our Junior Competition Scholarship.

This year we continue to invest in the next generation by teaching children the benefits of the sport. Tennis is a lifetime sport and our After School and Summer Camp Programs teach tennis to those that may not have the opportunity to play or learn the game elsewhere. We are building a foundation for children to live a healthy life and to learn character skills that they will use for years to come. Watch this video to learn about our program and how, together, we can put a racquet in the hands of more children…because every child belongs.

Make a tax-deductible donation today to support USTA Mid-Atlantic’s charitable programs.

After School Tennis Reaches More Kids Than Ever

“My son was interested in tennis but not a huge fan. After attending the [USTA Mid-Atlantic’s] TGA program after school, he is a FAN! He wants me to sign him up for classes over the summer so he’s ready for next year’s after school program! Thank you for lighting this fire under him and getting him enthused about something other than his iPad!” – Amy K.

This is a real testimonial submitted to USTA Mid-Atlantic from a mother of a child that participated in our after school tennis program, called TGA Premier Youth Tennis, in Prince William County, Va. This quote exemplifies the objective of our program and our vision – to introduce all children to tennis and to inspire a passion for healthy, active lifestyles through the sport that will last a lifetime.

Since 2016, we’ve had more than 15,000 youth participate in our programs and learn a sport they may not otherwise have had the chance to try. Consider the fact that during 2018, on average 17 percent of children age 6 to 12 engaged in NO sport activity¹.

We are actively combating this trend!

Thanks to the support of generous donations, our after school and summer camp tennis program continues to grow and see significant success engaging local youth with the healthy, and positive benefits tennis provides.

This fall alone, our after school tennis programs held more than 200 sessions with more than 5,000 registered. This is more registrations in our program than we had in all of 2018, and 2019 is on track to have a 41 percent increase (or more) in registrations compared to last year – that is A LOT of kids playing tennis and having fun with the sport.

When you give, you help support the impact we can have through our programs. Here are a few highlights of the successes from the fall season of the USTA Mid-Atlantic after school tennis program:

Anne Arundel, Md.:

Thanks to a generous donation from the Anne Arundel County Tennis Association (AACTA), a scholarship was offered to Lindale Middle School for after school tennis. The scholarship provided a six-week tennis program and racquets to 14 students.

Arlington, Va.:

Fleet Elementary School was the first after school tennis program offered in this area of Northern Virginia and the program was completely full.

Fairfax, Va.:

Four elementary school programs achieved all-time high registrations including Charles Barrett Elementary School (45 students), Aldrin Elementary School (25 students), Fort Hunt Elementary (26 students) and Belvedere Elementary School (22 students).

Howard County, Md.:

Tennis after school programs held in the county had more than 700 registrations in the fall season alone, which is the highest of all of our areas offering programs.

Loudoun County, Va.:

Fall tennis after school program registrations grew by 18 percent compared to last year and programs were introduced at three new elementary schools in the county.

Prince William County, Va.:

The fall season marked the highest single season participation in tennis after school programs with 272, and overall participation has increased 15.8 percent compared to this time last year.

Richmond, Va.:

After school tennis at Woolridge Elementary set a record for the most kids – 81 – participating in the calendar year.

West Virginia:

For the 2019 calendar year, programs in West Virginia had 700 registrations, setting a new record and at North Elementary School, 70 students went through the after school tennis program during the year – also setting a new record for participation!

We depend on continued support to achieve such significant growth and reach even more children, especially those in underserved areas of our region. No matter the circumstances we want EVERY CHILD to play tennis and we remain committed to subsidizing costs to make it happen. Tax-deductible donations help us give more kids the chance to play.

You can make a difference and make sure that the next generation gains the benefits, and fun, of tennis. Give today, especially before the end of 2019, so that your gift to USTA Mid-Atlantic Section can be part of the $10,000 match being made by an anonymous donor.

USTA Mid-Atlantic Section, Inc. is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; EIN 54-1472806. All donations made to USTA Mid-Atlantic Section Inc. are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

2019 Sport & Fitness Industry Association Sports, Fitness, And Leisure Activities Topline Participation Report.

Amir F: USTA Mid-Atlantic is for Everyone

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This month we caught up with USTA Mid-Atlantic volunteer, Amir Frydman. Amir shared what he loves about tennis, why he thinks it is important to support the growth of tennis and why he donates to USTA Mid-Atlantic.

Why do you choose to support USTA Mid-Atlantic Section?

Amir F.: I support USTA Mid-Atlantic because it is an amazing organization. There is nothing like seeing the joy people of all ages get from playing tennis. When they say tennis is a sport for life, it is absolutely true. USTA Mid-Atlantic has done a great job getting kids involved from the time they can hold a youth racquet to adults of every age playing tennis. There is no age limit especially when you fall in love with the sport.

For me, the catalyst for a love of tennis has been the USTA and in particular the Mid-Atlantic Section. The Section is highly organized and makes it easy for every player of every ability and socioeconomic status to enjoy tennis, whether it is to socialize or to compete.

Make a tax-deductible donation before the end of the year to support USTA Mid-Atlantic and our effort to make tennis the most accessible sport in the region so that EVERYONE can play.

Why do you feel we make a difference? How so?

Amir F.: USTA Mid-Atlantic tennis is tennis for everyone. The Section has made tennis an activity without boundaries, especially through its after school and summer camp program. Whether there is a tennis court available or just a parking lot or a school gym, USTA Mid-Atlantic makes it accessible for everyone to play the game. They provide the equipment: racquets, nets, and the balls – all of it. They make it so fun and easy to get involved. There are few sports or activities that are not restricted by age, language, gender, race – tennis brings people from all walks of life together. That is why it is growing; and with the support of USTA Mid-Atlantic there are no limits.

Make a tax-deductible donation today and support the power of tennis to bring people together and change lives in our region.

What do you think about our after school and summer camp program? What do you think is different about this youth program?

Amir F.: I absolutely love the program. I had the chance to visit the USTA Mid-Atlantic tennis summer camp program this past summer. I was expecting a small group of children playing. Instead I saw a large group of children actively participating and learning with the program coaches. I could not believe how well organized the program was. It is never easy to get 30 kids of all levels excited and participating. Without exception everyone was having fun and everyone was engaged. The coaches did an amazing job teaching without making it look like they were teaching.

One wonderful aspect was that while I noticed some different levels of talent or experience, the instructors made every kid feel great about themselves. The enthusiasm from the coaches and program director was contagious. I love tennis and seeing Alex, associate director of recreation programs for USTA Mid-Atlantic, get so excited when describing the programs made me a bigger fan than ever. KUDOS to Alex and the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section for getting so many kids excited about tennis from all over!

Since 2016, USTA Mid-Atlantic has been introducing youth to tennis through summer camp and after school tennis programs and is committed to subsidizing the program so that the cost is lower and more children can participate. Generous donations help us bring more tennis programs to children all across the region.

What would you tell someone who is thinking about donating to USTA Mid-Atlantic?

Amir F.: If you love tennis whether actively participating in it or you have a child playing tennis or just love to watch tennis, think about why you love it so much. You probably fell in love with it watching the amazing athletes who make it look so effortless or taking a friend to a tennis court and hitting some balls or playing in a tournament or for one of so many many other reasons.

Tennis opens up so many opportunities for so many to become part of a sport that lasts a lifetime. It provides opportunities to meet people from all walks of life who share the same passion for the sport regardless of age, gender or background. Giving to the USTA Mid-Atlantic Section opens doors to more people, like yourself, to be a part of the world of tennis and the amazing benefits everyone gets from the sport.

A donation of any size really does make a difference. Just visit a USTA Mid-Atlantic youth summer camp or watch a USTA League match and you will see why USTA Mid-Atlantic Section makes such a difference in so many lives in a fun and healthy way.

Tell us more about you. How long have you been playing tennis? What do you love most about the sport? Where are you from and what do you enjoy when you aren’t playing tennis?

Amir F.: I started playing tennis in lower school, but by 9th grade I fell in love with the sport.

I think I got most excited about tennis when we lived in North Carolina and hosted a junior team from Israel. At the time, Israel was just developing their tennis program. The kids participating were all 12 and under. I was hoping to play with some of the 12 year olds and show them a thing or two that I, as a Junior in High School, knew about tennis. Well, I got schooled. These kids were amazing and were the best of the best. I just loved the fact how all the kids interacted and became friends so easily with each other and yet still competed fiercely.

I play tennis every chance I can get. It not only satisfies my need to exercise but there is no better way to let some steam out than hitting a tennis ball. Playing singles gives me the opportunity to decompress. The amazing thing about tennis is I can compartmentalize any work problems or other issues that come up during the day. When I am on the court, it is my time to just enjoy. Playing doubles gives me the opportunity to socialize and have fun!

When not playing tennis… when is that? I love being with my wife, kids and dogs. My wife loves tennis too, so when we travel we usually bring our racquets.

It is through the love of tennis we can change lives together. You can help us continue to make tennis accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic Section, and help us deliver more after school and summer camp tennis programs to ALL children in our region. With the year coming to an end, now is the time to make an annual gift. You can give a tax-deductible donation today!

Schools in Mid-Atlantic Select Tennis as New After School Program

USTA Mid-Atlantic’s tennis after school program, TGA Premier Youth Tennis, introduces the lifelong sport of tennis to children through fun and enriching experiences. Our programs provide a pathway to a positive outlet and teach children vital skills and a sport they can play for life.

Since 2016, we’ve been introducing youth to tennis through after school programs and have had more than 10,000 in participation. We are able to offer the after school tennis program at reduced rates for students and their families because USTA Mid-Atlantic is committed to subsidizing the program so that more children can participate. Generous donations help us bring more tennis programs to students and schools all across the region.

We are excited to partner with several new schools this fall to offer tennis after school programs. In all of these programs, many children will learn tennis for the very first time and will begin to play – hopefully for a lifetime. Not only that, when schools partner with us to offer tennis we are proud to give back directly from our program to support the school with scholarships and incentives that helps their students, teachers and local families.

You can help us bring tennis programs to more local students and schools when you make a tax-deductible donation to USTA Mid-Atlantic. In fact, just $100.74 can support ONE new student to join in an after school tennis program.

We are proud to launch new after school tennis programs in the following schools and community locations:

Anne Arundel, Md.

Lindale Middle School

Fairfax County and Arlington, Va.

Fleet Elementary School (Arlington)
Jewish Community Center of Northern VA
Faircrest Community HOA
Liberty Middle School

Howard County, Md.

Longfellow Elementary School
Hammond Middle School
Mayfield Woods Middle School

USTA Mid-Atlantic is growing tennis after school for middle school students. Read more about the impact of these programs.

Loudoun County, Va.

Moorefield Station Elementary School
Discovery Elementary School

Prince William County, Va.

Coles Elementary School
Westridge Elementary School
Hylton High School

Richmond, Va.

Clover Hill Elementary School
Spring Run Elementary School

As these programs get underway, children will learn how healthy, active lifestyles can be fun and they’ll gain character-building skills that will benefit them for years to come.

It is through the love of tennis we can change lives together. You can be part of this great change and help us deliver more after school and summer camp tennis programs to ALL children in the Mid-Atlantic. Make a tax-deductible donation today.