![\"USTA\"](\"http:\/\/www.clubinsideronline.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/USTA.png\")
USTA<\/p>\nUSTA<\/p>\n
ORLANDO, FL<\/strong> – The USTA announced that it will partner with the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) to grant up to $100,000 in scholarships to current or incoming college students enrolled in Professional Tennis Management (PTM) programs, a move to support students looking to pursue careers in the tennis industry.<\/p>\n A total of 50 students can receive up to $2,000 in scholarship money for tuition, provided they are enrolled in a Professional Tennis Management program during the 2021-22 academic year. Ten universities and colleges in America have designed PTM programs for students who want to learn the coaching and business skills necessary to be successful in the tennis industry.<\/p>\n The USPTA and PTR are the two fully USTA-accredited organizations that certify coaches in the United States. The goal of this initiative is to work with the USPTA and PTR to provide scholarship opportunities for college students who choose tennis as a profession. This year, the three organizations (USTA, USPTA and PTR) have partnered to elevate the standards for coaching education for every certified tennis coach.<\/p>\n \u201cWith four million new tennis players in 2020, we have a unique opportunity to make sure we retain and engage our new players with the best experience possible,\u201d said Martin Blackman, General Manager, USTA Player and Coach Development. \u201cThat means great coaches delivering the sport at every level, and Professional Tennis Management programs are a perfect launch pad for our next generation of coaches.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe need a pipeline of talented tennis teaching professionals to come into the profession to sustain the growth of our sport, and we need more of them,\u201d said John Embree, CEO and Executive Director, USPTA. \u201cPTM programs are the perfect bridge for aspiring junior players who have a passion for tennis and want a fabulous career.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPTR has enjoyed a 35-year relationship with PTM programs, and we\u2019ve been fortunate to have several PTMers on staff during that time period,\u201d said Dan Santorum, PTR CEO. \u201cThe quality and impact of PTM in our industry is evident, and we believe that the USTA\u2019s grants will be a tremendous boost to increase the number of future tennis coaches attending PTM Programs.\u201d<\/p>\n