USTA Florida Teams up with ACEs Matter for Charity Tennis Event

USTA Florida partnered with ACEs Matter as part of their three-day Health and Wellness Summit event! This saw tennis at the “Ace Out the ACEs” Charity Tennis event on October 4 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs. 

Fifteen teams participated in a round robin tournament organized by USTA Florida in collaboration with the City of Longwood. The event welcomed 75 attendees, including 30 tournament players across beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. USTA Florida focused on promoting adult beginner tennis, with 10 of the tournament participants coming directly from the Love to Play pathway. These players showcased their progress and enthusiasm, reinforcing the value of accessible entry points into the sport. 

While the round robin took place on the main courts, USTA Florida staff led Love to Leard clinics on the back courts, which utilizes the Red Ball to introduce new players to tennis fundamentals. 

The event also sparked interest from local communities. Representatives from the City of Deltona expressed interest in launching a Love to Learn program on their municipal courts. USTA Florida will share more details on that, if the court space becomes available. 

Proceeds from the event supported health and wellness programs for adults overcoming childhood trauma. ACEs Matter, led by founder Cendie Stanford, who has delivered a TED Talk on the subject, focuses on raising awareness about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their long-term effects. Research shows that high ACE scores can reduce life expectancy by up to 20 years, even among adults who appear successful in their careers. Mental health support and regular physical activity are key tools in reversing these outcomes. 

Ace Out the ACEs was more than a tennis event, it was a celebration of wellness, inclusion, and community-building. By connecting tennis with mental and physical health, USTA Florida and ACEs Matter demonstrated how sport can be a powerful tool for healing and growth. The event laid the groundwork for future partnerships and expanded programming, reinforcing USTA Florida’s commitment to making tennis accessible and meaningful for all.