Throughout the month of May, the tennis industry-supported “Try Tennis Free” campaign will bring non-players and former players into the sport at any of at least 1,800 participating facilities nationwide. Consumers, particularly new or returning players, can visit PlayTennis.com or TryTennisFree.com to find local facilities and tennis teaching professionals offering a free introductory session, lesson, clinic or other event.

Tennis participation in the U.S. has remained stable over the last three years, according to the latest figures compiled by the Tennis Industry Association and the Physical Activity Council. Total tennis players numbered 17.9 million in 2014, which is up 1.3 percent over the year before. “Core” tennis participation, which are those who play 10 or more times a year, is at 9.91 million, down 1 percent. See this year's topline PAC report & press release at PhysicalActivityCouncil.com.

Cliff Drysdale Tennis, one of the country’s premier tennis management companies, with 27 locations around the U.S., will offer free introductory tennis sessions throughout the month of May as part of the industry-wide “Try Tennis Free” campaign.

To aid in the continuing effort to increase sports participation in the U.S., particularly among youngsters, the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) has announced a broad-based “Try Tennis Free” campaign that will run throughout the month of May.

Throughout the month of May, consumers will be encouraged to get out onto the tennis courts through the “Try Tennis Free” campaign. Managed by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA), Try Tennis Free has the support and partnership of the two main tennis-teaching groups in the U.S.—the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and the U.S. Professional Tennis Association (USPTA)—along with the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA), the national governing body of tennis.

The tennis industry is rallying around a campaign throughout the month of May to get more people playing tennis. The “Try Tennis Free” promotion seeks to have tennis providers and facilities offer a free introductory session, lesson, clinic or other event to help draw consumers into the sport.

Scott Fowler, a sports columnist for The Charlotte Observer, is the winner of the 2015 Tennis Media Award, presented by the Tennis Industry Association (TIA) in conjunction with the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA). Fowler will be recognized at the NSSA’s 56th annual NSSA Awards Weekend in Salisbury, N.C., June 6-8.

Do you know an outstanding tennis facility in your area? Do you work at or manage a facility that you feel deserves national recognition? Apply now for the 34th annual USTA Outstanding Facility Awards program at usta.com/facilityawards.