How to Promote Your Tennis Club and Attract New Members

USTA Community Tennis Programs

The USTA offers several community tennis programs that can help your club attract new players and build visibility. Net Generation is the USTA youth development program that provides curriculum, equipment grants, and marketing materials for clubs that offer junior programming. Registering your club as a Net Generation provider gives you access to lesson plans designed for different age groups and skill levels.

USTA League Tennis is another powerful recruitment channel. Players searching for USTA league teams in your area will find your club if you register as a league site. Many adults discover their local clubs through USTA league play, making it one of the most reliable sources of new members. Contact your USTA section office to learn about available programs and any grant funding for community tennis initiatives.

Hosting Free Clinic Days

Free introductory clinics are one of the most effective ways to bring new players to your courts. Structure these sessions as low-pressure, fun experiences rather than intense instruction. A 90-minute format works well: 30 minutes of basic technique, 30 minutes of guided rally games, and 30 minutes of social time with refreshments and a club information table.

Promote your free clinic through neighborhood flyers, social media posts, and local community calendars. Partner with a local sporting goods store to provide demo rackets for participants who do not own equipment. Collect email addresses from every attendee and follow up within 48 hours with a welcome message, a membership offer, and the schedule for your next club event.

• Limit group sizes to 4 to 6 per court for quality instruction
• Have loaner rackets and balls available for newcomers
• Assign experienced members as court ambassadors to welcome guests
• Follow up with attendees within 48 hours to maintain momentum

Social Media Marketing for Tennis Clubs

Social media gives tennis clubs a free channel to reach potential members in their local area. Instagram and Facebook are particularly effective for tennis clubs because they emphasize visual content. Post action shots from matches, group photos from social events, short video clips of drills, and behind-the-scenes looks at club life. Consistency matters more than polish; aim for three to five posts per week.

Use location tags and local hashtags to ensure your content appears in feeds of people nearby. Hashtags like #TennisClub, your city name combined with tennis, and #PlayTennis help new people discover your club. Facebook groups for your neighborhood or community are also valuable. Share your clinic announcements, league sign-ups, and event photos in these groups to reach residents who may not follow your club page yet.

Partnering with Local Tennis Pros

Local tennis professionals bring credibility, expertise, and their own following to your club. A teaching pro who offers lessons through your club attracts students who might not have found you otherwise. Structure the partnership so the pro handles instruction while your club provides the courts, scheduling, and marketing support.

Compensation models vary. Some clubs pay pros an hourly rate, others let pros set their own lesson prices and charge a court usage fee, and some use a revenue-sharing arrangement. Choose the model that works best for both parties and put the terms in writing. A good teaching pro becomes an ambassador for your club, recommending membership to every student and their family.

School and Youth Outreach

Reaching young players through schools builds your membership pipeline for years to come. Offer after-school tennis programs at nearby elementary and middle schools where your club members serve as volunteer coaches. Many schools welcome free or low-cost enrichment programs, and parents who see their children enjoying tennis often become members themselves.

Contact school physical education teachers and after-school program coordinators to propose a multi-week tennis introduction series. USTA Net Generation provides age-appropriate curriculum and modified equipment like foam balls and shorter rackets that make the sport accessible for young beginners. Each participant should receive a flyer inviting their family to a free club open day.

Corporate Partnerships and Team Building

Local businesses are always looking for team-building activities, and tennis provides a perfect format. Offer corporate groups a two-hour package that includes basic instruction, round-robin play, and a social reception. These events introduce tennis to professionals who may have the time and budget to join your club but have never considered the sport.

Reach out to HR departments and corporate wellness coordinators at businesses within a 15-minute drive of your courts. Price corporate events to cover your costs while making the experience attractive compared to alternatives like escape rooms or bowling outings. Follow up with every participant by email, offering a discounted trial membership. Even if a small percentage convert, corporate events generate revenue and word-of-mouth exposure.

Open House Events That Convert

An open house is your chance to showcase everything your club offers in a single visit. Plan the event on a Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon when families are available. Set up stations for different skill levels, organize mini-tournaments with prizes, and have board members available to answer questions about membership options and club culture.

The key to conversion is making guests feel welcome and showing them the social side of your club. People join tennis clubs for community as much as for the sport itself. Display a calendar of upcoming events, introduce guests to existing members at similar skill levels, and have sign-up forms ready for anyone who wants to join on the spot. Offer a limited-time discount or waived initiation fee for open house attendees to create urgency.

• Set up skill stations for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players
• Organize a fun mini-tournament with small prizes
• Display your events calendar and social programming schedule
• Offer a time-limited membership discount for open house attendees

Building Your Online Presence

A professional online presence is essential for any tennis club that wants to attract new members. At minimum, your club needs a Google Business Profile with accurate hours, location, photos, and contact information. This ensures that anyone searching for tennis clubs or courts in your area finds you in local search results and on Google Maps.

A dedicated website or booking page takes your credibility to the next level. Include information about membership tiers, court availability, coaching programs, and upcoming events. Make it easy for visitors to sign up or book a guest visit directly from the page. Clubs that offer online booking and registration see significantly higher conversion rates than those that require phone calls or in-person visits.