How to Start a Tennis Club

Why Start a Tennis Club?

Tennis has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with participation numbers climbing steadily across all age groups. According to the Tennis Industry Association, over 23 million Americans played tennis in 2025, and the sport continues to attract new players through high-profile events, social media exposure, and a growing emphasis on lifelong fitness. Starting a tennis club allows you to tap into this momentum and build a vibrant local community around the sport.

Unlike casual play, a structured tennis club provides members with consistent playing opportunities, competitive formats, coaching access, and a social network of fellow enthusiasts. Clubs create the accountability and camaraderie that keep players engaged season after season. Whether your community has seasoned players looking for organized competition or beginners eager to learn, a well-run club can serve everyone.

Tennis clubs also hold a distinctive place in community life. The sport has a rich tradition of club culture, with established etiquette, social events, and intergenerational participation. Founding a club gives you the chance to carry forward these traditions while adapting them for a modern audience that values inclusivity, flexibility, and convenience.

Beyond the sport itself, tennis clubs can become valuable community institutions. They provide structured activities for juniors, fitness opportunities for adults, and social connections for players of all ages. A successful club benefits local parks, supports nearby businesses, and strengthens the fabric of your neighborhood or town.

Assessing Your Community

Before you invest time and resources into forming a tennis club, take stock of the local landscape. Understanding existing demand, available facilities, and potential competition will shape every decision you make going forward. A thorough assessment helps you avoid common pitfalls and positions your club for success from day one.

Start by gauging interest. Talk to players at public courts, local recreation centers, and existing tennis programs. Post in community social media groups and neighborhood forums. A simple online survey asking about playing experience, preferred formats, schedule availability, and willingness to pay dues can give you quantifiable data to work with. Aim to identify at least 20 to 30 interested players before moving forward.

Research what already exists in your area. Are there private clubs, USTA leagues, parks and recreation programs, or informal hitting groups? Understanding these options helps you identify gaps your club can fill. Perhaps there is no organized league play for intermediate adults, or maybe juniors lack access to group instruction. Positioning your club to address an unmet need gives you a clear value proposition.

• Survey local players about their experience levels, preferred play times, and interest in competitive vs. social formats
• Inventory all public and private courts within a reasonable driving radius
• Research existing clubs, USTA teams, and recreation department programs
• Identify underserved segments such as adult beginners, seniors, or junior players
• Assess seasonal considerations, including indoor court availability for year-round play
• Determine whether your area supports enough demand for a standalone club or a program within an existing facility

Securing Courts and Facilities

Court access is the foundation of any tennis club. Unlike some racquet sports that can adapt to multipurpose spaces, tennis requires dedicated, regulation-sized courts with proper surfacing, net posts, and boundary markings. Securing reliable, affordable court time will be one of your most important early decisions.

Public parks and recreation departments are often the most accessible starting point. Many municipalities operate tennis court complexes and are willing to partner with organized groups. You may be able to reserve blocks of court time at reduced rates, especially during off-peak hours. In exchange, your club can help the parks department justify facility maintenance budgets and demonstrate community usage.

If public courts are scarce or in poor condition, consider partnering with schools, universities, or private facilities. School courts often sit unused during evenings and weekends. Some private clubs or fitness centers may rent court time to outside groups. Commercial indoor facilities can provide year-round access in regions with harsh winters, though rental costs will be significantly higher.

As your club grows, you may aspire to develop or lease your own facility. This is a major undertaking that requires significant capital, but it gives you full control over scheduling, maintenance, and amenities. Many successful clubs begin with public or shared courts and transition to their own facility over several years as membership and finances stabilize.

Court Surface Considerations

The type of court surface you play on affects everything from pace of play to maintenance costs and injury rates. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right facilities and set expectations for your members.

Hard courts are the most common surface in the United States. They provide a consistent, medium-paced bounce and require relatively low maintenance. Resurfacing is typically needed every five to eight years, costing between $4,000 and $8,000 per court. Hard courts are suitable for all skill levels and play well in most weather conditions once dry.

Clay courts offer a slower pace and are easier on the joints, making them popular with older players and those recovering from injuries. However, clay requires significant ongoing maintenance, including regular watering, rolling, and line sweeping. Annual upkeep can run $2,000 to $5,000 per court, and clay courts are generally not viable in regions with extended freezing temperatures.

Grass courts, while iconic, are rare outside of private clubs and major tournaments. They require expert groundskeeping and are impractical for most community clubs. Indoor courts, whether hard or carpet surfaces, provide weather-independent play but come with substantial facility costs. For most new clubs, hard courts at public or shared facilities will be the practical starting point.

Legal Formation and Structure

Establishing a formal organizational structure protects your members, your leadership team, and the club itself. While a casual group of hitting partners can function informally, any club that collects dues, signs contracts, or organizes events should have a legal framework in place.

Most community tennis clubs organize as nonprofit corporations, typically under section 501(c)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code, which covers social and recreational clubs. This designation allows you to collect membership dues without paying federal income tax on those funds, provided substantially all of your activities serve members. Filing for incorporation in your state and then applying for tax-exempt status with the IRS are the two key steps.

You will need a set of bylaws that define your governance structure. Key provisions include how the board of directors is elected, term lengths for officers, how dues are set and modified, procedures for admitting and removing members, and rules for amending the bylaws themselves. Well-drafted bylaws prevent disputes and ensure continuity as leadership changes over time.

Liability insurance is essential. Tennis involves physical activity and carries inherent injury risks. A general liability policy protects the club if a member or guest is injured during club activities. Many insurers offer policies tailored to sports organizations, and your premiums will depend on membership size, the types of activities you offer, and whether you operate your own facility. Budget $500 to $2,000 annually for adequate coverage.

• Incorporate as a nonprofit in your state and draft comprehensive bylaws
• Apply for 501(c)(7) tax-exempt status with the IRS
• Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for banking and tax purposes
• Secure general liability insurance covering all club activities
• Consider directors and officers (D&O) insurance to protect your board members
• Open a dedicated club bank account and establish financial controls

USTA Affiliation and Sanctioning

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) is the national governing body for tennis and offers significant benefits to affiliated clubs. Becoming a USTA Community Tennis Association (CTA) or Organizational Member connects your club to a broader ecosystem of leagues, tournaments, player development resources, and promotional support.

USTA affiliation gives your members access to the National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP), which provides standardized skill ratings from 1.0 (beginner) to 7.0 (touring professional). These ratings are invaluable for organizing balanced league play, round robins, and social events. Members can also participate in USTA League Tennis, one of the largest recreational league programs in the country, which feeds into sectional and national championships.

Your local USTA section and district can provide grants, training for club organizers, and promotional materials. Many sections offer funding for youth programs, facility improvements, and community outreach initiatives. Affiliation also lends credibility to your club and signals to prospective members that you operate within established standards.

Membership Structure and Dues

Your membership model determines who can join, what they pay, and what they receive in return. A well-designed structure balances accessibility with financial sustainability, giving members clear value while generating enough revenue to cover your operating costs.

Most tennis clubs offer tiered membership categories. A common structure includes individual, family, junior, and senior tiers, each priced according to the level of access and benefits provided. Some clubs add a social membership category for people who want to attend events and use non-court amenities without regular playing privileges.

Setting dues requires careful analysis of your costs and market conditions. Survey comparable clubs and programs in your region to understand prevailing price points. Factor in court rental fees, insurance premiums, USTA affiliation costs, equipment and supplies, coaching subsidies, and administrative expenses. Build in a modest surplus to fund reserves and future growth initiatives.

Consider offering introductory rates or trial memberships to lower the barrier for new players. A discounted first-year rate or a one-month trial period lets prospective members experience the club before committing. These promotions can accelerate early growth, though you should plan for some attrition when members convert to full pricing.

• Individual adult membership: typically $100 to $400 per year for community clubs
• Family membership: usually offered at a discount, covering a household
• Junior membership: reduced rate for players under 18, encouraging youth participation
• Senior or retiree membership: discounted rate acknowledging fixed incomes and off-peak play patterns
• Guest fees: per-visit charges for non-members who play with members
• Consider seasonal or quarterly payment options to reduce upfront cost barriers

Organizing Play Formats and Leagues

Offering a variety of play formats is essential for keeping members engaged across different skill levels, competitive appetites, and schedules. Tennis has a rich tradition of organized play, from casual social events to structured league competition, and your club should draw on all of it.

Ladder play is one of the most effective formats for ongoing engagement. Members are ranked on a ladder and can challenge players above them to move up. Ladders run continuously, require minimal administrative overhead, and give every member a built-in reason to play regularly. You can run separate ladders for different skill levels, age groups, or formats such as singles and doubles.

Round robin events are ideal for social play and for integrating new members. In a round robin, players rotate partners and opponents over several short sets, maximizing the number of people they play with. These events work well as monthly socials, seasonal kickoff gatherings, or fundraisers with entry fees and prizes.

League play provides the most structured competitive experience. Organize internal leagues by NTRP rating or self-assessed skill level, with teams competing in doubles or mixed doubles over a season of several weeks. For players seeking competition beyond your club, USTA League Tennis offers established formats with pathways to sectional and national championships.

Do not overlook the value of open play sessions, where members simply show up and get matched into games. Organized open play, with a coordinator who assigns courts and rotates players, removes the friction of finding partners and ensures everyone gets on court. These sessions are especially popular with new members who have not yet built a network of regular playing partners.

1. 1Ladder play: continuous ranking challenges for singles and doubles
2. 2Round robins: rotating-partner events for social mixing and skill development
3. 3Internal leagues: seasonal team competitions organized by NTRP level
4. 4USTA League Tennis: sanctioned competition with regional and national playoffs
5. 5Open play sessions: drop-in format with coordinated court assignments
6. 6Mixers and social events: casual play combined with food, drinks, and community building

Coaching and Player Development

A strong coaching program elevates your club from a simple playing venue to a development-oriented community. Members who improve their skills remain engaged longer, participate in more events, and become your best ambassadors for recruiting new players.

Identify qualified teaching professionals in your area. Look for coaches certified through the USPTA (United States Professional Tennis Association) or PTR (Professional Tennis Registry). These certifications indicate that a coach has met established standards for instruction, safety, and professionalism. Many coaches operate independently and welcome partnerships with clubs that can provide a steady pipeline of students.

Group clinics are the most cost-effective format for club-based instruction. Organize clinics by skill level, with separate sessions for beginners, intermediate players, and advanced competitors. A typical clinic runs 60 to 90 minutes with four to eight players per court, allowing the coach to provide individual attention while keeping per-player costs manageable. Weekly clinics priced at $15 to $30 per session are common.

Beyond clinics, consider offering periodic workshops on specific skills such as serving, net play, or doubles strategy. Match play clinics, where a coach observes competitive play and provides real-time feedback, are especially valuable for intermediate and advanced players. These specialized offerings add variety to your programming and give members a reason to stay involved beyond regular league play.

Junior Development Programs

Junior programs are the lifeblood of a tennis club. Young players bring energy, family memberships, and long-term sustainability. A club that develops juniors creates a pipeline of future adult members and contributes meaningfully to the sport.

Structure your junior program around age-appropriate formats. For children under 10, use the USTA Net Generation framework with scaled-down courts, lower nets, and slower balls. These modifications make the sport accessible and fun for young beginners who lack the strength and coordination for full-court play. As players develop, transition them to standard courts and equipment.

Competitive juniors benefit from structured training programs, match play opportunities, and tournament preparation. Partner with your local USTA section to access junior tournament calendars and team events. Many clubs field junior teams that compete in regional leagues, building camaraderie and school-sport-style team experiences that keep teenagers engaged.

Junior programs also provide a natural entry point for family involvement. Parents who enroll their children often become members themselves, participate in adult programs, and volunteer for club events. Marketing your club to families with junior-age children can be one of your most effective growth strategies.

Promotion and Recruitment

Even the best-organized club will struggle without a deliberate approach to marketing and member recruitment. You need to reach prospective members where they are and communicate a compelling reason to join.

Build a professional online presence. Your website should clearly explain what the club offers, who it serves, how to join, and what it costs. Include photos of players in action, testimonials from current members, and a calendar of upcoming events. Social media accounts on platforms like Instagram and Facebook let you share highlights, announce events, and engage with the local tennis community.

Leverage free and low-cost channels for outreach. Partner with local parks departments, schools, and community centers to distribute flyers and post announcements. Ask local sporting goods stores if you can leave brochures near their tennis equipment section. Collaborate with area businesses for cross-promotions, such as discounts for club members at a nearby restaurant or coffee shop.

Host open house events that let prospective members experience the club firsthand. Offer a free clinic, a social round robin, or a meet-and-greet with your coaching staff. Make it easy for visitors to sign up on the spot by having registration materials ready and accepting online payments. Personal invitations from existing members remain one of the most effective recruitment tools, so encourage your membership to bring friends.

Develop a regular newsletter to keep members informed and engaged. Share match results, upcoming events, member spotlights, and tips from your coaching staff. A well-crafted newsletter reinforces the value of membership and reminds people to stay active in the club. Email is the most common delivery channel, but some clubs also post newsletters to their website or social media.

Technology and Club Management

Running a tennis club involves a surprising amount of administrative work. Court scheduling, membership tracking, dues collection, event registration, and communication all demand time and attention. The right technology tools can dramatically reduce this burden and improve the member experience.

Court reservation systems are particularly important for tennis clubs. Unlike drop-in sports, tennis requires advance booking to ensure court availability, especially during peak evening and weekend hours. A good reservation system lets members book courts online, view real-time availability, and receive confirmation notifications. It also helps administrators enforce booking policies, manage prime-time allocations, and track court utilization.

Membership management software centralizes your roster, automates dues collection, and provides reporting on retention, growth, and demographics. Look for solutions that integrate payment processing so members can pay online, reducing the administrative hassle of collecting checks or cash. The ability to segment members by tier, rating, or activity level helps you target communications and programming.

Event management tools streamline the process of organizing tournaments, round robins, clinics, and social events. Features like online registration, automated brackets, and waitlist management save hours of manual coordination. When these tools are integrated with your court scheduling and membership systems, you avoid double-booking and ensure seamless operations.

Financial Planning and Sustainability

Sound financial management separates clubs that thrive from those that fold. Even a volunteer-run community club needs a clear budget, reliable revenue streams, and prudent expense management to sustain itself over time.

Build your budget around three major cost categories. First, court access: whether you pay rent, usage fees, or facility maintenance costs, this is typically your largest expense. Second, insurance and administrative costs, including liability coverage, USTA affiliation fees, website hosting, and software subscriptions. Third, programming costs such as coaching fees, equipment purchases, tournament prizes, and social event expenses.

Revenue should come primarily from membership dues, but diversify where possible. Court booking fees, clinic charges, tournament entry fees, guest passes, and merchandise sales all contribute. Some clubs secure sponsorships from local businesses, which can fund specific events or offset general operating costs. Fundraising events, from tennis-themed galas to charity tournaments, can generate meaningful supplementary income.

Maintain a reserve fund equal to at least three to six months of operating expenses. This cushion protects your club against unexpected costs, seasonal dips in revenue, or facility disruptions. Review your budget quarterly, comparing actual income and expenses against projections, and adjust as needed. Transparent financial reporting to your membership builds trust and supports volunteer engagement.

• Court rental or facility costs: often $5,000 to $20,000+ annually depending on access level
• Insurance: $500 to $2,000 per year for general liability
• USTA affiliation and administrative fees: $200 to $500 annually
• Coaching and programming: variable, often partially offset by participant fees
• Equipment and supplies: balls, nets, court maintenance tools, signage
• Technology and software: $50 to $200 per month for management platforms
• Build reserves of three to six months of operating expenses

Growing Your Club Long-Term

Launching a tennis club is an accomplishment, but sustaining and growing it requires ongoing effort, adaptability, and a commitment to serving your members well. The clubs that endure are those that continuously evolve their programming, invest in their community, and stay responsive to member needs.

Retention is more important than recruitment. It costs far more, in both time and money, to attract a new member than to keep an existing one. Focus on delivering consistent value through quality programming, responsive communication, and a welcoming atmosphere. Regularly survey your members to understand what they value most and where they see room for improvement.

Expand your programming as your membership grows. Add new league divisions, specialized clinics, social events, and tournament opportunities. Consider niche offerings like cardio tennis, wheelchair tennis, or corporate team-building sessions. Each new program creates an additional reason for members to stay and for non-members to join.

Develop a leadership pipeline within your club. Encourage active members to serve on committees, assist with event coordination, and eventually join the board. Distributed leadership prevents burnout among founders and ensures the club can survive transitions. Mentoring emerging leaders is one of the most important investments a club founder can make.

Build relationships with the broader tennis community. Participate in USTA initiatives, attend section conferences, and network with other club organizers. Interclub matches, joint events, and shared coaching resources strengthen your club and benefit the sport regionally. A club that contributes to the wider tennis ecosystem earns goodwill, visibility, and access to resources that isolated organizations miss.