Lake Nona, Fla. (October 3, 2024) — The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) is pleased to announce a two-year agreement with RecycleBalls, a national nonprofit leading the charge in tennis and padel ball recycling, to promote sustainability in racquet sports.
RecycleBalls has developed an innovative collection solution and partner network where millions of recycled tennis and padel balls will find new life in racquet sport courts.
"RecycleBalls is the first organization in North America to introduce a nationwide collection and recycling system for used tennis and padel balls, and we are excited to collaborate with RSPA to give racquet professionals across the country the tools they need to make a positive environmental impact. Together, we can help racquet professionals lead the way in sports sustainability and turn millions of balls into the very courts they play on," said RecycleBalls CEO Erin Cunningham.
As part of the collaboration, all active RSPA members will gain access to exclusive discounts and access to a virtual course focused on sustainability in racquet sports. Members who actively participate in RecycleBalls’ recycling program will also receive promotional assets to showcase their leadership in environmental sustainability.
“We are very impressed with the initiatives and results RecycleBalls has achieved since 2016 with over 13 million balls saved from landfills. When the RSPA moved to Lake Nona in 2017, we committed to becoming one of the largest solar- powered businesses and leaders in the Orlando area with a reduction of waste and pledge to sustainability. To expand our commitment to sustainability in the marketplace, RecycleBalls will help support our initiatives to create a more sustainable racquet sports ecosystem. We are excited for our members to participate in the program and take advantage of some great incentives to use RecycleBalls for teaching and other programs,” said RSPA CEO Brian Dillman.
About RecycleBalls: RecycleBalls is a nonprofit dedicated to creating a circular economy in tennis and was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for its strides in circularity. By developing the first nationwide tennis ball recycling program, RecycleBalls has diverted millions of balls from landfills and engaged tennis and padel players across the US and Canada in making a greener choice for their sport.
About the RSPA
The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), formerly known as the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), is the leading trade organization for racquet sports professionals. Since 1927, the RSPA has grown to support the diverse needs of the racquet sports industry, including tennis, pickleball, padel, squash and platform tennis. With over 14,000 members worldwide and 17 divisions across the country, the RSPA offers career advancement support, certification and development opportunities, from coaching to club management, executive development to sales and marketing and beyond. Our mission is to champion the passion of racquet sports by developing professionals who lead with integrity, innovate in coaching and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet sports community. Learn more at RSPA.net.
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Media Contact:
Collin Brazan
RSPA, Director of Marketing
collin.brazan@rspa.net
407-634-3061
Aislinn Leonard
RSPA, Public Relations Coordinator
aislinn.leonard@rspa.net
407-634-3071