Greetings,
USTA Southern recognizes that many in the tennis industry are being significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Board of Directors has set aside up to $2 million for the Southern Cares Initiative to provide immediate relief to our partners across the Southern states. This step will help us weather these difficult times, remain viable and be ready to go back to work when tennis play is able to resume.
Three task forces have been identified to look at the various groups needing support:
- Teaching professionals
- Facilities
- Others in tennis industry: tournament directors, CTAs officials, NJTLs, local league coordinators, etc.
Here is our link to the Southern Cares for Tennis Teaching Professionals application, which is launching Friday, April 24, 2020, with a deadline to apply of May 4, 2020. This is a needs-based financial assistance program for tennis professionals who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, because of reduced tennis employment opportunities in the Southern Section.
Individuals who make their living in the tennis industry in the Southern Section can receive an award of up to $500. Recipients are required to be employed full-time or part-time in the on-court teaching industry and to be in current compliance with Safe Play and have a current background check on file with USTA. Priority will be given to Net Generation providers and certified teaching professionals (USPTA or PTR).
USTA Southern is following the guidelines of the USTA and local governments relative to when play can safely resume across the South and we hope that everyone stays safe and well.
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Bonnie Vandegrift
USTA Southern President & CEO
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John Callen
USTA Southern Executive Director & COO
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