Tennis is for Everyone at Public Parks

Tennis is booming in America. In 2022, more than 23.6 million people played, a 33 percent increase since over a two-year period.
Last year in Florence, 621 people played in adult and junior league matches, and hundreds more played recreational tennis for fun. Beginner programs conducted by the Tennis Center, the Florence Tennis Association, and area teaching professionals brought over 600 new players into the sport. During the year over 5,000 local residents and visitors took part in adult, junior, high school, college and professional tournaments. New programs are available for residents of all ages and ability levels.

This rapid growth is no surprise. Tennis can be enjoyed just as much by beginners as for experienced players. In addition, it offers impressive health benefits. Regular play adds 9.7 years to your life, making it by far the healthiest of all lifetime sports, including swimming and jogging. Playing tennis 3 hours a week reduces cardiovascular risk by 56 percent. Recreational tennis improves coordination, agility and balance while it builds friendships and personal fitness that enhance well-being and promote mental health.

Unlike other sports, tennis demands good sportsmanship and discourages “in your face” attitudes, which makes it a great character builder for young players. Numerous studies indicate that children and adolescents who play tennis are less likely to be overweight and less prone to risky behaviors like drinking and smoking. In general, they are more confident, have better social skills, and get better grades than their peers, and they are more likely to attend college.

Until recently, tennis was seen as a “country club” sport for wealthy White people. But things have changed—in 2023 in Florence, tennis is for everyone. Nationally and here in Florence, 80 percent of tennis is played in public parks, and tournaments, leagues, and other programs are becoming more and more diverse diverse. A major goal of the US Tennis Association, echoed by the Florence Tennis Association, is to make the sport of tennis “look like America.”

If you want to play, it’s easy to get started. The FTA has an adult beginner program that offers basic instruction in small-group evening clinics once a week for six weeks. It’s designed to be affordable at $30 for the entire program if you have your own racquet and $40 if they give you one. Tennis 101 is a great way to learn the game and make new friends at the same time, and there is a good chance that you and your new hitting partners will want to continue playing together. You can sign up for Tennis 101 at https://playtennis.usta.com/thefta.

For junior players the City of Florence offers low-cost beginner lessons and clinics at the Florence Tennis Center, as well as a summer camp. If you want to know more, you can call the Tennis Center at 843-665-3106.
The FTA’s Ron James Youth Tennis Program, which provides free beginner tennis for area youth, works primarily with after-school programs at Florence School District 1, Boys & Girls Clubs, and YMCAs, and in Florence City parks. Two Saturdays each month, the Ron James Program holds Tennis Fun Days for children between the ages of 6 and 18. These events are free and all necessary equipment is provided, along with refreshments, instruction, competition and games. The next Fun Days will be held on April 29 from 9:00 to 11:30 am at Timrod Park and on May 13 and May 20 from 9:00 to11:30 am at the Florence Tennis Center. Everyone is welcome and parents can sign their children up on site.