Facilities build the Tennis Pantry to encourage new players

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Making tennis more accessible to the public is a high priority for many organizations across USTA Southern. The Tennis Pantry has become a valuable tool in accomplishing that goal.

USTA Southern’s Advocacy Committee developed the Tennis Pantry to make it easier for people to try tennis without owning or purchasing equipment. A large storage receptacle is located near the tennis courts and is filled with tennis racquets and balls. Once people are done playing, they return the equipment to the receptacle.

In its first year of development, nearly 40 units have been installed in parks and tennis facilities in all nine of Southern’s states.

Florence, South Carolina

The Florence Tennis Association (FTA) recently applied for a Tennis Pantry to place at three different public parks in Florence, S.C.

“If people show up at the park wanting to play tennis but do not have equipment, there will be equipment available for them to borrow and just play and have some fun with whoever they are with,” said Ernie James, a volunteer with the FTA. “Previously, they could have walked by and said, ‘Wow, I would really like to play tennis, but we don't have any equipment.’ Now, they won’t have to pass up the chance to play and have fun.”

Installed at ground level, the Tennis Pantry is accessible to almost everyone, including families, children and wheelchair users. One goal is to outfit each pantry with racquet sizes and balls for players of all ages and abilities.

Groups can fill each pantry by collecting used equipment from players in the community, clubs or businesses. Some local tennis organizations have launched donation drives to collect equipment. Outside organizations can also adopt a Tennis Pantry to ensure it is fully stocked and maintained.

FTA plans to stock their pantries with donated full-sized racquets and purchase smaller racquets to place inside as well.

“We think it's important to have some short 23-inch racquets, especially with the USTA trying to really push Red Ball Tennis,” James said. “We really, really try to encourage people of any age who have never played before to play Red Ball because they'll have a better time. They'll be able to control the ball much better. If you just give somebody a tennis racquet and a yellow ball, it’s probably not going to be real fun, because they're going to have no idea how to control the ball.”

Columbus, Mississippi

As soon as Vanita Phinisey received an email from USTA promoting the Tennis Pantry, she applied to have one installed at Golden Triangle Tennis in Columbus, Miss. Phinisey set up the pantry in late May.

“Right now we have some standard size racquets and some yellow balls in a basket,” Phinisey said. “We plan to keep it stocked with at least six rackets and enough balls for someone to get out and try it. We are also planning to stock red balls and 23-inch racquets for Red Ball.”

Phinisey is hoping more cities across USTA Southern learn about Tennis Pantry and purchase one to have at public tennis facilities to help the sport continue to grow and attract new players of all levels.

“I would recommend that everyone should try this program,” Phinisey said. “We are very grateful to the USTA for allowing us the opportunity to host it at our facility. I sent the information over to the director at another park in our city where new public courts are being constructed.”

Mayodon, North Carolina

Lifestyle Fitness and Tennis in Mayodon, N.C., was one of the first facilities to order a Tennis Pantry in March.

Tennis Host Garland Hilliard reported. “We have implemented two of the tennis lockers at Lifestyle Fitness and Tennis. They are a really good addition to the facility, and we have seen some new folks on the courts utilizing this equipment.

“We are very fortunate to have these lockers along with other equipment (balls, racquets, etc.) available for our members and guests.”