Designing Tennis for the Modern Family: Innovation, Adaptation & Urban Growth — with Anthony Evrard

What if the future of racquet sports growth depends less on tradition and more on designing experiences for beginners, families, and urban communities? In this episode of Racquet Fuel, hosts Kim Bastable and Simon Gale sit down with Anthony Evrard, Co-founder and CEO of Court 16, to explore how innovation, listening, and purposeful design are reshaping the way families enter tennis. What began in a Brooklyn industrial building with red ball courts has evolved into a multi-location, multi-generational racquet concept backed by strategic partners including Babolat and USTA Ventures. This conversation matters for anyone building programs, launching facilities, or trying to grow the game in non-traditional markets. Whether you lead a private club, public facility, or are dreaming up your own concept, you’ll come away with practical insight on carving out a niche and staying adaptable. What You’ll Learn Why competing for families’ time, not other clubs, changes your programming strategy How “learn here, play anywhere” creates clarity in junior pathway development Why niche specialization often beats trying to serve every segment The power of listening and responding quickly to your community How engaging the entire family strengthens retention and growth Why letting players move on can actually build long-term loyalty What it means to run your business like a “living Google document” Resources & Mentions Court 16 — Urban, family-focused tennis clubs founded in Brooklyn USTA Ventures (Court 16) — Growth-focused investment arm of USTA Hosts: Kim Bastable  — UF Director of Racquet Sports Education Simon Gale  — USTA Leader & Facility Executive  Guest: Anthony Evrard — Court 16 Co-Founder and CEO   Learn More & Get Certified Racquet Fuel is powered by the University of Florida’s Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Program, the industry’s leading education for current and aspiring racquets leaders. Explore our self-paced online courses — Personal Brand Management, Operations & Programming, and Leadership & Finance — and join the next generation of directors shaping the future of the game.  Learn more here: Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry — UF PBM  Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More — UF DORS 1  Course 2: Leadership, Management & Finance — UF DORS 2 Course 1 completion is required for course 2   Discount Codes: Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry: Use code “RF25” for $25 off Course 1: Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More: Use code “RF100” for $100 off   Inquiries: Contact UFDORS@hhp.ufl.edu