USTA News
USTA Announces New Diversity Partnership
by Staff Reports, 5 May 2022
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The USTA announced today a partnership with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to provide national Jack and Jill tennis clinics to its members.
JJOA was founded in 1938 in Philadelphia and is a membership organization for mothers and children ages 2-19. JJOA’s mission is dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. Jack and Jill of America Inc. has 252 chapters nationwide, representing more than 40,000 family members.
The USTA-JJOA partnership launched this month with events in select cities, and will promote, support and advance educational efforts around the sport of tennis, including exposure to career, internship and volunteer opportunities within the USTA. Additionally, starting in June exclusively for JJOA members from participating chapters, the program will offer five-week introductory tennis clinics available for youth (ages 6-17) and adults (18-and-above).
National Jack and Jill tennis programs will initially launch in the following USTA sections: USTA Eastern, USTA Florida, USTA Middle States, USTA Midwest, USTA New England, USTA Southern, USTA Southern California and USTA Texas. Additional Sections will launch in the future.
“We’re excited to deepen our existing relationship with Jack and Jill of America to bring the many benefits of tennis to its members,” said Marisa Grimes, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, USTA. “Tennis participation has boomed the past two years with more players hitting the courts to stay physically, mentally and socially active. At the USTA, we want to ensure the sport of tennis reflects the diversity of the communities around us, and we are looking forward to welcoming current and future generations of Jack & Jill players into our sport.”
The introductory tennis program will help players develop the skills they need to rally, play and compete quickly. Clinics will be run by experienced tennis professionals (USTA trained and SafePlay approved), who will assess each individual’s skill level and teach participants the fundamentals of the game while building the skills they’ll need to continue to grow and have fun in the sport.
In addition to the tennis clinics, participating USTA sections will work with local Jack and Jill chapters to host events throughout the year. Several upcoming events are already scheduled, with more to be announced throughout the year.
- As part of JJOA’s 45th National Convention taking place in Orlando, Fla., from July 26-31, 2022, the USTA will host tennis events at the USTA National Campus for Jack and Jill teens and associates.
- JJOA, in partnership with the USTA, USTA Eastern, USTA Middle States and USTA New England, will host its 2nd Annual Family Skills Clinic on Martha’s Vineyard on August 18.
- JJOA and the USTA will work together to identify opportunities to create bespoke experiences for JJOA member families at USTA tournaments and/or co-hosted events, including the US Open.
“We are so excited about this partnership with USTA!” said Jack and Jill of America National President Kornisha McGill Brown. “As the premier African American family organization developing future African American leaders, we are happy to join their efforts to bring tennis opportunities to diverse communities nationwide.”
To find out more about the USTA Jack and Jill tennis clinics, visit: https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/jack-and-jill-tennis-clinics.html.
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