Community Tennis
Community Tennis
Tennis Is for Everyone!
USTA Southern California is dedicated to growing tennis and making it accessible to players of all ages and backgrounds across the region. Through programs like Net Generation Schools and partnerships with community providers, thousands of schoolchildren have been introduced to the game. Community tennis not only promotes physical activity but also strengthens bonds and fosters lasting connections.
By collaborating with public and private clubs, parks and recreation departments, and passionate tennis advocates, we aim to create an inclusive and vibrant tennis network. Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of age or ability, can experience tennis as a fun, lifelong sport, building a strong and engaged tennis community throughout Southern California.
Southern California Tennis Providers
USTA Southern California proudly supports organizations that bring tennis to young players across the region. As a partner in promoting the sport, we provide resources to empower Providers, organizations, and advocates.
Among them, National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapters provide tennis development, wellness, and education enrichment to under-resourced youth. Community Tennis Associations (CTA) are volunteer-based organizations that support tennis programming for various audiences. Explore opportunities to get involved and access tools to grow tennis in your community or local programs.
NUMBER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
NJTL CHAPTERS
ESTIMATED NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN
CTA & NJTL PROGRAMMING
NUMBER OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATIONS
Celebrating the SoCal Tennis Community
USTA Southern California is proud to celebrate the vibrant and diverse tennis community by honoring cultural months throughout the year, including Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Autism Acceptance Month, Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, and more.
Together, we recognize and uplift the stories, contributions, and cultures that make our tennis family unique.
Wheelchair Tennis
USTA Southern California has been a driving force in the growth of wheelchair tennis, supporting numerous programs and events across the region. Southern California is home to some of the nation’s most dedicated wheelchair tennis providers and top athletes who have made a significant impact on the sport.
Orange County’s Brad Parks, the visionary behind wheelchair tennis competition, pioneered the game’s development. SoCal native Jason Harnett leads the way as Team USA Wheelchair Tennis National Manager, while San Diego Paralympian Dana Mathewson stands as one of the country’s most celebrated athletes. Fullerton’s David Wagner holds the distinction of being the first ITF Quad Wheelchair World Champion, earning the No. 1 ranking eight times. La Quinta’s Charlie Cooper continues to inspire as the No. 1 junior wheelchair player in the United States.
Adaptive Tennis
USTA Southern California is proud to support various organizations throughout the section that provide adaptive tennis programs.
From the nurturing setting of ACEing Autism to the inspiring competition at the Special Olympics and the ground-breaking Angel City Games, tennis play and competition are abundant in Southern California for all athletes.
Tennis in Schools
Since 2019, nearly 800 Southern California Physical Education instructors have received tennis training, curriculum and equipment through the USTA’s Net Generation Schools program.
The program focuses on providing resources to teachers and other school staff who can then introduce tennis to their students in a supportive and empowering environment. As a result, thousands of SoCal students at 300 area schools are now exposed to tennis as part of their in-school experience.
Coaching
Looking to start coaching tennis or take your skills to the next level? Whether you’re just beginning or already coaching, we have the tools to help you grow here in Southern California!
Discover new strategies, explore educational and career opportunities, and join a movement dedicated to advancing the sport. Let’s take your coaching journey further! Find your place in tennis with access to courses, workshops, and resources to become a coach or refine your skill.
CalVIP
USTA Southern California is working in neighborhoods which have been disproportionately impacted by violence to provide tennis participation, social and emotional learning, life skills opportunities, and interventions. In partnership with the LA Department of Recreation and Parks, we have identified four neighborhoods and communities of color to target boys and girls ages 8-13 who may have participated in other sports at their recreation sites.
The program, funded through a CalVIP (Violence, Intervention, & Prevention) grant from the State of California Board of State and Community Corrections BSCC, began its inaugural 10-week session on April 10, 2023. Programming will continue through June 2025.
> Ritchie Valens Park and Rec.
> Boys and Girls Club: Pacoima
> Boys and Girls Club: Challengers
> Boys and Girls Club: Bell Gardens
> Boys and Girls Club: Pueblo del Sol
> Obama Sports Complex
> MLK Park
> Bellevue Rec Center
> A Place Called Home
> Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA)
> North Valley Caring Services
> Proyecto Pastoral
Women & Girls Who Ace
The Women & Girls Who Ace Conference & Achievement Award is a showcase inspiring sports industry leaders and athletes, sharing skills for success on and off the court, pitch, or track. The event schedule includes empowerment sessions, lunch, networking, and panels, with an evening reception for the annual Women & Girls Who Ace Achievement Award.
In 2024, the Women & Girls Who Ace Achievement Award was presented to Doris Obih of the 40 Love Foundation.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
USTA Southern California strives to be a model of inclusivity and equity as we bring competitive, social and fitness-oriented tennis programs to Southern California residents. We are fully committed to making tennis accessible to diverse and underserved communities so that they may experience and enjoy the life-long benefits of the sport. Our investment in the players and organizations who serve these communities allows USTA SoCal to extend our reach across the section, recognizing and supporting young and talented players who have the potential to use tennis as a vehicle for obtaining a college or vocational education, or a professional career.
As an organization, we stand firmly alongside progressive organizations which seek to eradicate historical wrongs, working in tandem towards a community where every person is afforded boundless ability to thrive. We believe all of these things will improve our Southern California tennis community and create a stronger industry with better prospects for future success, both on and off the tennis court.
