News/Press Releases
FirstPlay Sports in the News
FirstPlay Sports joins forces with USTA Middle States
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. (November 3, 2010) – USTA Middle States (USTA MS) announced today the partnership with FirstPlay Sports. As part of the partnership package, USTA MS will support FirstPlay Sports efforts to increase participation by providing USTA program opportunities and FirstPlay Sports in turn will become an official ‘Building a Tennis Community’ partner.
This collaboration demonstrates the emphasis on growing tennis by introducing children at a young age to the game. USTA MS is committed to this mission by utilizing the QuickStart tennis format for kids 10-and-under. Children learn how to play tennis in a tailor-made format with specific courts, racquets and even a unique scoring system.
“We are excited to partner with FirstPlay Sports,” said Ben Zislis, USTA MS Community Development Director. “The programs offered by FirstPlay Sports help grow tennis in many ways and we believe that FirstPlay Sports is a great ambassador for the sport of tennis and our organization.”
FirstPlay Sports and FirstPlay Tennis were founded in 1997, based on a simple concept: offer a well organized, comprehensive array of turnkey tennis and sports clinics, camps and lessons – by employing knowledgeable, energetic coaches, and focusing on helping children have fun while they learn what sports are all about.
Programs offered are specially designed to create fun experiences for beginner and intermediate athletes between 3 and 13 years old. Curriculums, drills, games and equipment are designed based on the size and skill level of each age group. Small participant-to-coach ratios, a safety-first attitude and fun-centered focus create the perfect environment to explore the world of sports. To learn more about FirstPlay Sports please visit: http://firstplaysports.com/
USTA Middle States
The USTA is the official governing body for tennis in the United States. USTA Middle States, one of 17 USTA sections throughout the nation, encompasses Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey (exclusive of a 35-mile radius around New York City) and northwestern West Virginia. A not-for-profit organization, USTA Middle States, which is more than 80 years old, is primarily volunteer-driven.
For more information on USTA Middle States and its events and programs, please contact Anna Cramer at 610-935-5000 x222 or Acramer@ms.usta.com.
September 2010 – Fall Clinics Begin!
From Massachusetts to Virginia – tennis and other sports have commenced this fall season! Contact us to get involved!
August 2010 – FirstPlay Partners with USTA Middle States and USTA Eastern
FirstPlay is proud to announce the Building a Tennis Community partnerships between FirstPlay Tennis and USTA Middle States and USTA Eastern! FirstPlay and the USTA share in the commitment of growing tennis in communities. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with the USTA. The USTA is the most credible source in tennis, and to be affiliated with such a influential and committed organization is really an honor for us,” Director of Programming, Tracy Johnson.
March 2010 – FirstPlay Launches New Website
FirstPlay launched its new website today at http://www.firstplaysports.com. The new site integrates the companies’ combined service offering under the new name and brand, implements a new registration system, and social networking tools. “We are excited about the capability of our new systems to better serve our families and communities. The new website and tools are just one visible sign of our commitment to be the premier provider of sports instruction services to our communities,” says Director of Programming, Tracy Johnson.
For more information, please contact Tracy Johnson at 888-335-3318 x502 or tjohnson@firstplaysports.com.
November 2008 – FirstPlay Sports Expands to Ohio and Massachusetts Markets!
We are excited to announce that our premier sports programs are now available in Ohio and Massachusetts, with clinics beginning Winter 2009. FirstPlay Sports (FPS) has been successfully operating programs throughout New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Maryland. There is already a buzz about FPS throughout Ohio and Massachusetts, as recreation departments become familiar with our unique year-round turnkey sports programs.
September 2008 – FirstPlay Sports Opens New Main Office and Training Center!
FirstPlay Sports opened its new corporate office in Berkeley Heights, NJ, located just 30 miles west of New York City. Our new space provides a personal training center for high-performance athletes. The facility features the latest equipment to help advanced athletes maximize their potential.
June 2009 – FirstPlay Sports Provides Summer Sports Programs for Marblehead, MA.
Mike Lane, Recreation Director in Marblehead, MA, has great things to say about FirstPlay Sports. “After interviewing several companies over the course of the winter, I felt FirstPlay Sports was the right fit for Marblehead,” said Lane. “They understand just how important it is to give children the opportunity to experience sports in a fun, dynamic setting.”
Please read the full write-up at: http://www.wickedlocal.com/marblehead/sports/x1518880105/Quick-shots




