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Addressing rising interest in tennis

May 15, 2014

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. — Recent sports industry research shows that more than 15 million non-tennis players are interested in playing tennis, and another 13 million Americans “consider themselves” tennis players, even though they didn’t play the sport in the previous year. With the latest initiative by the tennis industry, these 28 million Americans are able to get into the game, or back into the game, for free.

The research came out of the 2014 Physical Activity Council (PAC) Participation Study, an annual report that is the largest single-source independent sports participation project in the country, evaluating 120 different sports and activities.

By visiting PlayTennis.com throughout the month of May, consumers can find tennis facilities and teaching professionals in their areas offering “Try Tennis for Free” events for beginners and returning tennis players.

The Try Tennis for Free campaign is for players of all ages. The free sessions offered can vary depending on the location, as each individual facility or certified professional has the option to choose the best introductory session or programs they feel will encourage new and returning players to step onto the court. Free offers can include lessons, clinics, Cardio Tennis, USTA Play Days for kids, and more. Consumers should visit PlayTennis.com to find a participating facility or teaching pro in their area.

“We simply want to get people to play tennis—it’s one of the healthiest sports for kids and adults, and it’s also fun, social, and active,” says Greg Mason, president of the Tennis Industry Association (TIA), which is managing and promoting the Try Tennis for Free campaign. The campaign is run through the tennis industry-supported website PlayTennis.com.

“Our research consistently shows that nearly 65 percent of new players who begin tennis in an introductory program continue on with the sport,” says Jolyn de Boer, executive director of the TIA. “The Try Tennis for Free promotion is an ideal way to bring new people to the game and bring back those who may have stopped playing tennis. The free instruction, clinics or other sessions offered at facilities and by teaching professionals will help ensure players get into this healthy sport properly, and have fun at the same time.”

Try Tennis for Free also is a joint effort with this country’s two main professional tennis-teaching organizations—the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA).

De Boer says consumers should go to PlayTennis.com, which has a free “tennis concierge” service that easily helps to find nearby tennis locations. “If you don’t see a participating Try Tennis for Free venue in your area, contact your local facility or teaching pro and tell them you’re interested in playing, and inquire about a free or introductory session or program,” she adds.

To learn more about Try Tennis for Free and to find a nearby location, visit PlayTennis.com.

About the TIA

The Tennis Industry Association, the not-for-profit trade association for tennis, is THE unifying force in the tennis industry whose mission is to promote the growth and economic vitality of tennis by working closely with the U.S. Tennis Association and industry partners to develop and implement initiatives to increase tennis participation and improve the health of industry businesses. Core TIA activities include producing more than 70 research reports annually on participation and consumer/trade research, in addition to Grow the Game Initiatives such as PlayTennis.com, 10 and Under Tennis, the GrowingTennis Systemâ„¢, Tennis Welcome Centers, Cardio Tennis, Careers in Tennis and Tennis Tune-Up Campaign. Visit TennisIndustry.org or call 866-686-3036.