Tennis participation increases 12 per cent in Canada

Progressive tennis and increased indoor facilities the focus for Tennis Canada

Tennis Canada announced Thursday that tennis participation in Canada grew 12 per cent over the past year to total more than 4.5 million people who picked up a racquet, including 1.5 million Canadians who were considered frequent players.

"As we host the tennis world in Montreal and Toronto for Rogers Cup presented by National Bank, we are thrilled to report the rapid growth of tennis in our country," said Michael S. Downey, president and chief executive officer, Tennis Canada. "Continued participation growth is partially a function of success through partnership as many people with a common goal are working together to grow the sport at the grassroots level. This includes the provincial tennis associations, club pros and instructors, volunteers, tennis industry leaders, community champions, government partners and Tennis Canada. The report gives all of us who believe in the potential tennis has on society great motivation.”

The survey about tennis participation, progressive tennis and local facilities, was conducted by the marketing solutions firm Charlton Strategic Research Inc.

In addition to reviewing the number of people who play tennis on a year-round and seasonal basis, the survey also supported Tennis Canada’s mandate to increase the number of indoor tennis facilities throughout the country and assist communities in the pursuit of building more places for winter play. According to the survey, more than 61 per cent of Canadians would play tennis more frequently with accessible location of indoor courts. Now in its second year of existence,the national tennis facilities advocacy committee has received approval from the Tennis Canada board of directors for an annual investment to provide seed money for new indoor facility development, and criteria for limited capital investment in new indoor facilities that are publically owned.

Tennis Canada and its provincial tennis associations have emphasized the need to build off the first three stages of the long term athlete development model, which includes increasing the number of children under 12 who play tennis. The average age children are introduced to the game is 13.4 years, an age that must be reduced in order for the sport to grow and for Canada to have more players competing on the international scene.

“With the advent of progressive tennis in Canada, age and skill appropriate balls, racquets, nets and courts allow children the opportunity to learn and enjoy the sport of tennis at a much earlier age,” said Hatem McDadi, vice-president, tennis development, Tennis Canada. “The younger someone picks up tennis, the greater the likelihood of developing a healthy, active lifestyle. With more children playing tennis, our sport helps address many important societal challenges including a growing obesity population among the youth of today."

This study will be conducted on an annual basis to assess tennis participation in Canada. The 2009 report of the Charlton Strategic Research Inc study will be available online at www.LoveMeansNothing.ca.