"We can say that we are running slowly to a new normality but the economic impact of Covid-19 is devasting. Or it will be devasting. Many people have lost their job, some are waiting for economics aids from the Government but we don't know how many activities will keep working in Autumn."
Marco Magro, Coach in Italy

COVID-19 and Italy
by Marco Magro
In the middle of February we had heard about Covid-19 and at the end of the Month the Government closed some cities. The 9th of March the Government closed all the shops and sport facilities in whole Italy. People were allowed only to go to the supermarket or to work even if only few industries were open. Or you could stay at home in smart working with phone and computer.
Since 18th of May all commercial activities are open in whole Italy: you can go out for a walk, go to the restaurant and even to the Tennis Club keeping 1mt of social distancing.
We can say that we are running slowly to a new normality but the economic impact of Covid-19 is devasting. Or it will be devasting. Many people lost their job, some are waiting economics aids from Government but we don't know how many activities will keep working in Autumn.
People want to move and play sport but the middle class has less money to spend for recreational activities for them and for their children.
Tennis coaches have a huge challenge next months: how to engage more adults and more children to play tennis. There will be less players that want to pay for a lesson so Tennis Coaches have to bring out their relational, business and tennis skills.
I have created a mini book called “Tennis at home Kids” to encourage my students (event those of others Tennis Coaches) to play tennis ad home with their parents or with their friends. I think it's crucial to play tennis even when they can't come to the Tennis Club, because if they loose passion they will move to another sport or, most of the time, they won't play sport anymore.
Covid-19 has changed our lives and jobs and it's up to us to modify our future.
Highlighting the magnitude of the hit to the industry, Tennis Europe's 'Return to Tennis' report outlines the possibilities for play and current national recommendations across the regional association's 50 member nations.
*Note that this report is not on the Tennis 24/7 website and is not authored by Tennis 24/7.