Frequently Asked Questions about Tennis Welcome Centers

Why did this initiative start?
Current research showed that we have over 94 million “lapsed” players in America.  Many of these people left tennis after a poor initial “experience”; most had no instruction and just went out to play with another beginner and tried to play.  It also showed that new players who go through a  multi session introductory program become committed, frequent players.  Based on this information, we needed to make the initial “experience” for new players better and the result was an industry wide TENNIS endeavor to grow tennis.  Everyone, USTA, Manufacturers, TIA, NRPA, USPTA, PTR, IHRSA, ATP, WTA, WTT and others have agreed to help make it successful. 

What qualifications does a facility need to have to be a TWC?
The qualifications are simple and can be found on this website – Partners.TennisWelcomeCenter.com or on our printed application.

Can a private club be a TWC?
Yes, private clubs that allow tennis pros to teach non-members may participate fully in all TWC promotions.  Private clubs that only teach members may receive some of the new player promotion items (flyers, posters, etc.) that they can use to promote introductory tennis programs to their golf and social members.  These private clubs (that only teach members) will not be listed on TWC.com. directory.

Can a CTA, Park & Rec Agency/Organization register as a TWC?
If the person representing the CTA or Park & Rec Agency/Organization makes arrangements to organized introductory instructional programs at a facility(s) that does not have a telephone number, the facility(s) should be listed as the TWC but the phone number to call may be that of the CTA or teaching pro.

What materials will be provided to facilities to better help them execute this program?
Every registered TWC will receive a site manual that will provide tips for teaching beginners, ideas for social events, a suggested curriculum for quick skills development, a promotional kit to attract new players, suggested retention programs and more.  These will be mailed out when your facility has been approved as an Official Tennis Welcome Center.

Who decides which facilities will be TWCs?
The facilities themselves ultimately determine if they want to be a TWC.  The TIA staff along with input from the USTA and teaching organizations will make the decision who becomes a Tennis Welcome Center based on the application process.

What kind of quality control will there be for the introductory tennis programs at the TWCs?
We believe strongly that the great majority of certified teaching professionals are very capable of teaching group lessons to beginners.  That said, we will provide a variety of information for TWCs on the best ways to attract and retain new players based on our extensive research and player feedback.  This information will include advice on working with various age groups, the attraction of team tennis for kids, and the importance of a “retention” program for new players.  The PTR and USPTA will also be distributing helpful information to their members. 

At public parks, we will continue to encourage them to employ certified tennis professionals and in areas where this is a significant barrier, we will help by providing training to seasonal instructors.

In addition to assisting the program delivery, we will be conducting a comprehensive “secret shopper” campaign to ensure that all registered tennis welcome centers handle consumer inquiries well.

Won’t there be significant price variations from facility to facility around the country?
Every consumer, whether they are purchasing hotel rooms, airfares or groceries realizes that prices vary in different locations as does the quality of products and services. TWCs will be encouraged to set fee structures that are appropriate for their local community.

Who do we go to for more information, flyers, applications?
.  You may contact the TIA at 866-686-3036 or email Info@TennisWelcomeCenter.com.

Can I email someone with my ideas/suggestions?
On our website, partners.tenniswelcomecenter.com there is an area where you can email us your suggestions.  You can email us at Info@TennisWelcomeCenter.com.  Keep in mind this is a local community-based program and every community has the opportunity to promote the strategy in any way they think will work best.

What can Community Tennis Associations (CTAs) do to help?
Plenty!  First, CTAs can help recruit facilities in their area by distributing TWC applications, sponsoring community wide meetings, and working with local teaching pros.  CTAs can help  let non-players know about local TWC’s by assisting with local marketing efforts, distributing flyers and posting information on their local website.