What do you do to give back to tennis?

[shell]

As a New Year resolution, I have been wondering what I do for the sport as opposed to what tennis does for me. I was thinking about maybe trying to foster some interest via kids clinics or volunteering through the USTA or something. Anything. I was wondering if any of you have experiences that you could share, something that you do to further the wonderful sport of tennis that is not just about your own game.

Tell me about your efforts! I would love to get some great ideas.

 

[smiley74]

I contacted USTA and offered to volunteer at any local events in their information booth. They were very grateful to have the offer to help and I think it will be a great experience! Hope they call me this year!

 

[sureshs]

I leave old balls at the club after play. They collect them to use in walking sticks in senior citizen centers. I donate old racquets. I subscribe for the cable package which includes TTC.

And of course I post here

 

[arf22]

Volunteer as instructor at USTA Gold Cup sessions.

 

[shell]

Thanks! Good to hear, and some good suggestions. TTC has a commercial where they talk about donations of time and equipment, which is part of what made me think about this.

The other thing is that my city is now seeming to feel it is OK to tear up tennis courts built in the 70s and 80s to be replaced by parking lots. It seems that tennis may not be as popular as it was back then. And I can feel that too, as someone who has been a player through all of these times. It makes me sad to know that this sport is seemingly less popular than it was 10-20 years ago. Where is the interest going to come from and what can we do - we are obviously fanatics if we post here - to offset this trend.

Keep the suggestions coming. For myself, and others that read this!

 

[CAM178]

I help teach other players who are looking to improve. Right now I am teaching a very nice family, and I am doing it pro bono.

 

[catfish]

Donating racquets to inner city youth programs is big in my area. I've donated a few myself.

 

[raiden031]

I quietly allow clubs to rape me with court and membership fees.

Also I have plans in the next year or two to reach out to some local high schools to see if any need an assistant coach, but I want to spend more time working on my own game first so I can be a better resource for them when that time comes.

 

[Tennis-Chris]

Donations and Volunteer

I donate tennis gear and money to tennis organizations. I also volunteer through USTA. :mrgreen:

 

[Cindysphinx]

I quietly allow clubs to rape me with court and membership fees.

LOL!!!

As for me, I captain.

 

[rasajadad]

I Assistant Coach at the local boy's HS team and I string their racquets for only the price of the string.

 

[tfm1973]

is this like how we help grow the game of tennis? i've donated old racquets to new players. i've also taught probably a dozen beginners how to play with a hopper of balls and a lot of patience.

 

[tennis-n-sc]

I captain a few teams throughout the year and also serve on the local USTA board with a "vice" position. The local USTA organizations can always use volunteer time.

 

[tbini87]

i string racquets for friends at pretty much cost. they love me for it...

 

[onehandbh]

I don't do much these days, but a friend and I used to teach a
wheelchair tennis class (by donation only).

Oh, I almost forgot. I broke up an impending on-court fisticuff about
5 months ago. Fun, fun, fun.

 

[atatu]

Once a month I take off work early and get a group of 8-10 kids from my kids school (ages 6-8) on the tennis court for a free "clinic." Just to expose them to the game and let them have some fun. We always play touch football on the adjacent field after about an hour, which unfortunately is their favorite part. Also maintain my community tennis blog:
http://austintennis.blogspot.com/

 

[Topaz]

Well, they get a lot of my money!

I also captain, and recruit players, as well as find teams for them.

In the spring, I'm hoping, with the help of another board member, to see a tennis class after school where I work.

 

[Venetian]

I don't give to tennis. Tennis is just a game. I try and give my extra time and money to real causes and just enjoy tennis as a leisure activity.

 

[HyperHorse]

Once a month I take off work early and get a group of 8-10 kids from my kids school (ages 6-8) on the tennis court for a free "clinic." Just to expose them to the game and let them have some fun. We always play touch football on the adjacent field after about an hour, which unfortunately is their favorite part. Also maintain my community tennis blog:
http://austintennis.blogspot.com/

If you ask me you're not really doing them a service. If you're letting them get away with playing touch football which is just a pseudo sport, then maybe u could think of more ways to get them excited about tennis..
Damn kids, at least you're making an effort.
Ditch the touch football i say...
Maybe show them some classic matches?

 

[shell]

I don't give to tennis. Tennis is just a game. I try and give my extra time and money to real causes and just enjoy tennis as a leisure activity.

Very honorable also. I do some of that too, but I guess I also view tennis as more than just leisure activity. I am a critical care nurse, and every day I see the side effects of our (cultures) lifestyle. If more kids got active early, and found something they could do for a lifetime I would think it was a good cause. I happen to treat adults, but they used to be kids

 

[shell]

Thanks for all of your responses. Obviously some great effort going on out there. And some good ideas to mull over.