The Foundation and its accomplishments
The idea of supporting court tennis in the United States with tax-deductible contributions began long before the formation of the USCTPF. Bill Clothier and Alistair Martin, two of the great players and leaders of the game, raised a substantial amount of donations throughout the 1980s and 1990s for a fund that was held at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, RI. After the establishment of the Foundation in 1994, and the subsequent 501c3 tax-exempt designation in 1995, the funds held at the Hall of Fame were redirected to the USCTPF. This was the beginning of the Foundation we know today.
In 1994, at the direction of Ed Hughes, then USCTA President, Dick Boenning took the initial steps to create the present day structure of the Foundation. For years going forward Dick built the base for all we are able to accomplish today.
Due to the foresight of these leaders, and the ongoing dedication of the court tennis community, the USCTPF has successfully supported the players, places and future of court tennis for nearly three decades.
The Foundation has played a significant role in the following:
Construction of the first Prince’s Court in 1997 and its replacement in 2022 at Westwood Country Club in Vienna Virginia
Through the efforts of committed donors and supporters, the court tennis community in Washington, D.C. constructed Prince’s Court in 1997. When the court’s permanence was threatened, the community rallied again to build a new court and ensure a bright future for the game in the Washington DC area.
Development of a Substantial and Successful Player Development Program
The player development program provides advanced coaching, equipment, travel support, and other resources to improve the state of play among juniors, elite juniors, women, and top amateur players.
A long term program for the USCTPF has been working to bring the tennis court at Georgian Court University back into operation on campus and within the broader global court tennis community.
Support of restoration projects including the courts at the Tennis and Racquet Club in Boston, the Racquet Club of Philadelphia and the National Tennis Club in Newport.
The purchase of Real Tennis Online (RTO), in conjunction with the four international governing bodies for court tennis, created the global standard for recording handicaps, bolstering our playing community.
Funding the research and development of prototypes for new Court Tennis materials, including lightweight balls, and new racquets that could become an important part in the development of the game.
Currently aiding the development of a new court in Charleston, SC, as the recipient of tax deductible contributions and by providing technical assistance to project leaders. This project has seen considerable fundraising success with more funds pledged and more donors participating than in any U.S. new court effort up to now.
Providing funding for traveling teams to England and Australia for the Van Alen Cup, Clothier Cup and Bathurst Cup as well as other overseas events.
Funding the publication of the Short Guide to Real Tennis inspired by a donation from Michael Flynn.
Funding for uscourttennis.org to launch a U.S. website for the game.
Fostering junior development across the U.S., specifically in Newport through the John Lieb endowment and at the International Tennis Club of Washington through the Prince Junior Fund. The Foundation has also provided support to all clubs that participate in the Player Development Program.
Supporting ancillary, non-prize money, expenses related to the U.S. Professional Singles Championship playing for the Schochet Cup through an endowed fund established by Jay Schochet.
The filming, production and distribution of a series of videos to capture significant professional court tennis matches and other important events in the game.
Undertaking a joint-effort with the USCTA and the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport to support the Newport court and National Tennis Club staffing and programming.