Aerie Donates $50,000 to USTA to Promote Women’s Tennis
Aerie is doing its part to support the next generation of females targeting the sport of tennis.
The USTA Foundation, the charitable arm of the U.S. Tennis Association, is partnering with the Aerie Real Foundation to fund women tennis players and coaches in under-resourced communities nationwide. Aerie Real is a nonprofit initiative launched by the brand’s parent, American Eagle Outfitters, in 2022.
The USTA donation includes a $50,000 grant that will be used to train 500 new female coaches across more than 270 community-based organizations that provide access to tennis, education and mentorship programs to young people.
To commemorate the collaboration, the USTA Foundation and Offline by Aerie, the brand’s activewear collection, are launching a merchandise collaboration, a first for the USTA Foundation. The exclusive, co-branded collection includes an Offline by Aerie x USTA Foundation Cloud Fleece classic crewneck sweatshirt and a cotton twill baseball hat.
These pieces will be available beginning Thursday at Aerie’s SoHo flagship in Manhattan at 560 Broadway and online.
“Tennis teaches courage, resilience and self-belief — qualities the Aerie Real Foundation strives to instill in every young woman,” said Jennifer Foyle, president and executive creative director of American Eagle and Aerie. “By joining forces with the USTA Foundation and investing in women coaches, we’re putting those values into motion on the court and empowering girls in under-resourced communities to build confidence, develop leadership skills and ignite a lifelong passion for the sport.”
“Coaches do far more than teach the fundamentals of a sport; they serve as critical role models who show the next generation what’s possible. It is critical that girls see women in these types of leadership roles,” said USTA Foundation chief executive officer Ginny Ehrlich. “We are grateful to the Aerie Real Foundation and Offline by Aerie for their support in helping us create more pathways for women to coach and lead, and inspiring future leaders both on and off the court.”
