Below are some testimonials on why some of your fellow pros run Tennis Across America events and also use Tennis - for the health of it! as a way to draw new business for themselves and facilities.

1.       By USPTA Professional Britt Feldhausen

Tennis - for the health of it! has been a concept that, even though we all intuitively knew we were doing something healthy, has given us tools to articulate the idea better. The stats, pictures, articles, brochures and just the confidence from the science verbalized made it easier to put together a coherent strategy.

Our main goal was to get doctors to use tennis as a way to create fitter patients. We offered free lessons as an incentive and gave doctors prescription cards to pass out. The doctors could give out our prescription cards to the people they felt could benefit from exercise, socialization and a healthier way of living. When the patient contacted us we spent time designing a class that fit their time, budget and fitness levels. This process not only gave us some new clients but put us in touch with a totally untapped market.

My wife, Jil, who is a registered dietitian and also a member of the USPTA, is presently helping a doctor plan his entire wellness program including exercise, diet, and lifestyle changes for the over-50 and retirement community. The message is that from 50 to let's say 70, or some would like us to say much older, we can "feel better", not worse, with a few simple changes to our typically unhealthy lifestyles. Tennis - for the health of it! put us in the mode to think this way and now with the mental side even looking more beneficial it gives us a stronger case as to why tennis is not just a sport for a lifetime but a sport for a totally better life.

2.       By USPTA Professional Alan Cutler

Tennis Across America has been a part of my business since the program began more than 20 years ago. I run anywhere between 5 to 15 Tennis Across America events every year to help fill up my programs. In the current economy we are competing for people's disposable income and time with so many other things. Tennis needs to find a way to stand out and we all understand that in the short run you and possibly your staff are losing a few hours of paid teaching time, but in the long run you will build a new and hopefully larger student base. Tennis Across America is a marketing tool to give the participants a taste and a feel of what your upcoming events and programs will be like and to answer any questions they may have. So the question is not can I afford to do this, but can I afford not to do this?

3.       By USPTA Professional Mike Woody

Tennis Lasts - Play It So You Do Too!

When it comes to Tennis - for the health of it! we mean fitness in the fast lane. Its programming speaks directly to the health, wellness and fitness pathway that people are looking for. The Midland Community Tennis Center has made a commitment to Tennis - for the health of it! by leveraging partnerships, creating dynamic programming, and by promoting and marketing.

In the programming arena we have three different cardio tennis programs: Cardio Tennis for New Players, Cardio Tennis for Advanced Players and Cardio Tennis for Juniors. In addition we offer a Play Tennis Fast beginner program that speaks directly to fitness and health. We also have a Back to Tennis Program for players who have been out of the game with injuries.

Partnering with major corporations is smart business and here's why. Health care costs are going through the roof. Tennis is a sport that embraces so many health initiatives. We have partnered with hospitals, school systems and major businesses. Our message is, "When your employee gets involved in tennis their outlook improves." In addition, "When you play tennis you are making yourself smarter and more confident."

Did we sugar market? No, we challenged everyone with truth. You're going to run and you're going to love it! So they ran and couldn't get enough of it. They bought into the brand, Play to Win and Get Healthy in a Hurry!

In the area of promotion, marketing and communication - the world's ears are listening for healthy life options. Tennis speaks right to this market. This market gets it and is looking for what our sport has to offer.

Cha-ching!

1. Business buys our Tennis - for the health of it! for workforce productivity.
2. Hospitals link up with our Tennis - for the health of it! because it's complementary.
3. Schools put our Tennis - for the health of it! in their curriculum.
4. Members get it. Tennis - for the health of it! means they look good, feel great with weight loss and can't stop the music, playing more each week.

Cha-ching! Tennis - for the health of it!

4.       By USPTA Professional John McWilliams

John has been running a Tennis Across America event every year for the past 15 years. He calls it Tennis Across Montgomery - Serving an Ace Against Child Abuse and Domestic Violence. The program was created in 1995 to offer tennis lessons to children without an opportunity to play the game and to raise money for the Family Sunshine Center. About 100 children attend the event every year to participate in the free tennis clinic. John was able to raise $35,000 this year for the Family Sunshine Center. John's message is "Let's keep kids on the courts and not in the courts".