WHITE PLAINS, August 23, 2019 (USTA Press Release)
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that it has partnered with tennis icon and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams to help grow the game of tennis through Net Generation, the official youth tennis brand of the USTA. Net Generation empowers youth tennis teachers, professionals, coaches, parents, and players with the knowledge and excitement to spread the love of tennis to a new generation.
The four-time Olympic gold medalist is featured in a Net Generation advertising campaign, including a TV commercial entitled “Venus Takes the Trophy”, and has also personally designed a limited-edition Net Generation T-shirt with her active apparel line EleVen by Venus that is being distributed for free to kids who register at NetGeneration.com. In addition, the T-shirt will be sold on-site at various locations throughout the US Open starting during US Open Fan week on Aug. 19. Proceeds from the on-site sales, through the USTA Foundation, will be used to support the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network in Venus’ name as part of the “Net Generation Giving Back” initiative.
“I could not be more excited to partner with the USTA in this initiative,” said Williams. “My goal has always been to inspire. Making tennis more accessible than ever before is going to inspire and empower children to pick up the sport and I’m thrilled to be able to give back and help build the next generation of tennis superstars.”
“Venus is not only an icon, but she also shares our mission of spreading the love of tennis to a new generation, making her an ideal partner for Net Generation,” said Craig Morris, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “Venus will only help our efforts to drive youth participation throughout the country as we look to bring tennis to kids everywhere.”
Net Generation aims to inspire the next generation of tennis players by embracing all aspects of youth play for kids ages 5-18. The objective of Net Generation is to provide a kid-friendly, safe connection to the sport, as well as a platform to celebrate individuality and self-expression. For the first time, American tennis has one unified youth brand for children to get into the sport. Net Generation makes it easier for kids and their parents to learn about tennis and get into the game in schools, parks and tennis clubs across the country. To learn more or sign up for free, please visit NetGeneration.com.
