DON’T MISS THE COMMUNITY TENNIS EVENT OF THE YEAR!

To celebrate the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) designation of May as National Tennis Month and USPTA’s (United States Professional Tennis Association) “Tennis Across America Day”, a Tennis Block Party is planned for Saturday, May 8th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex in Clearwater.  

The Suncoast Tennis Foundation has partnered with the City of Clearwater, local USPTA District 7 teaching professionals and Advantage Yours Tennis to provide a day full of tennis racquet and skill games for all ages and levels.  With approximately 600 participants, last year’s event gained local and national attention as one of the most successful events of its kind in the country.  Fact:  Tennis is the fastest growing traditional sport since 2000.  Tennis participation grew by 43.0% while soccer grew by only 0.1% and golf was minus 5.2% between 2000 and 2009.  

The event is FREE and open to the public.  NO registration is required.  Kids and adults will find a variety of activities.  The Block Party will showcase the unparalleled health and social benefits of tennis in a fun and dynamic way.  Some of the highlights for the kids include the new QuickStart Tennis format that helps kids 10 and under learn and play the game by utilizing specialized equipment.  Now any child between ages five and ten can start playing tennis almost immediately, even if they have never picked up a racquet before.  A special feature this year is “Parents Play” where parents will be on court playing QuickStart tennis with their children.  For the four and under group, there will be a Tot Tennis Carnival.

Adults and experienced youth players will have an opportunity to play in an informal round robin for all skill levels and receive a NTRP level assessment.  Information will be available on joining the USTA and local leagues and programs for adults and youths.  All participants will receive prizes.

A highlight will be vendor courts with representatives from all the major equipment manufacturers providing demo racquets for trial use.  All the vendors will have great giveaways and Advantage Yours will give a percentage discount to all who make a purchase at the store as a result of their attending the Block Party.

The Henry L. McMullen Tennis Complex is located at 1000 Edenville Ave., Clearwater, FL 33764; 727-669-1919.

For further information contact Judy Foster, Executive Director, Suncoast Tennis Foundation, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it