USTA Florida Collaborates with Jack and Jill of America for Tennis Fun in Gainesville

USTA Florida collaborated with the Greater North Central Florida Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. for a day of fun, learning, and community connection at Play Tennis Gainesville, a USTA Florida, managed facility. The event brought together more than 30 children, from energetic kindergarteners to eager high schoolers, for an engaging introduction to tennis and the many life lessons it teaches both on and off the court. 

Play Tennis Gainesville coaches George Henry and Ken Collins led on-court activities, helping the kids build their fundamentals through games and drills designed to make learning tennis exciting and accessible. Both coaches also participated in a Q&A session, where they answered questions not only about tennis but about life, leadership, and pursuing goals. Their mentorship and enthusiasm helped inspire confidence and curiosity among the young participants, many of whom were trying tennis for the first time. 

In addition to the court fun, the day carried a powerful message of community support and giving back. The Jack and Jill chapter collected and donated socks to ACES in Motion, a Gainesville, based National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapter dedicated to empowering youth through tennis, education, and character development. The donation was a thoughtful way to connect two youth, serving organizations that share the same vision: helping children build stronger futures through positive opportunities. 

The success of this collaborative event showcased the shared commitment of both USTA Florida and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. to growing the game while strengthening communities. Looking ahead, USTA Florida is exploring future partnerships with the chapter through its AMPLIFY Initiative, which focuses on expanding tennis access and representation among Black communities across the state. 

Together, these efforts represent the heart of USTA Florida’s mission, to make tennis available for all, fostering fun, friendship, and lifelong skills both on and off the court. To learn more, visit ustaflorida.com/amplify.