2023 Tenacity Cup
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Are you ready to rally to help thousands of Boston students achieve their dreams?
The Tenacity Cup 2023 is a special day of challenging team-based play on the storied grass courts of Longwood Cricket Club. Teams comprised of doubles pairs, all levels of play, men and women, will compete to take home the Cup while also challenging one another in raising funds to support Tenacity students and programs. The competitions on and off the court will be intense, memorable, rewarding. Together, we’ll be reminded that the GAME of tennis can SET students up for success in LIFE.
This unique tennis and fundraising competition will take place at Longwood Cricket Club on Thursday, June 22, 2023.
(In case of inclement weather, the rain date would be Friday, June 23rd, 2023.)
Your support will help our students access opportunities and experiences they might not otherwise have. So what do you say? Are you up for the challenge of helping us transform the lives of less advantaged Boston youth?
Ways to get involved:
- Apply to be a player, elite player, or Captain
- Support Tenacity programs by donating to a player, Captain, and/or team
- Not interested in playing in the Tenacity Cup tournament? You can still get in on the fundraising action by creating your own fundraising page to support Tenacity
- Become a sponsor for the Cup
Spread the word!
2022 Highlight Video

"The Tenacity Cup was a tremendous success. My team had a blast combining their love for tennis with their desire to give back to the community. The Tenacity staff did a fantastic job of organizing the event and making sure everyone had a great time. We look forward to coming back next year, competing for the title, and helping kids to realize their potential!"

"The Tenacity Cup was a total win. Donors were really ready for a change, so with the invaluable technical support of the Tenacity staff, it was very easy to engage them. The response from the donors was great. I would expect it to be even better next year as we build on the wonderful foundation now in place."

"People don’t mind being asked to donate to good causes. Tenacity is a dynamic organization that appeals to tennis aficionados and those who care about education and youth. When I shared the Tenacity story to prospective donors last year, they made generous contributions because I asked and because they could clearly see the benefit to students."

"Tenacity’s mission and effectiveness is so compelling and the event’s format so much fun, that I found the fundraising to be remarkably easy. I expect a good number of contributors will participate again in future Tenacity Cups and will recommend others."
Scenes from Tenacity Cup Events

By submitting an application to participate as a player in the Tenacity Cup you are acknowledging that you have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Each player application will be reviewed by a Player Council to ensure that teams will have a balance of abilities and fundraising capabilities to support success for the Tenacity mission and funding of student programs. If the Player Council determines the player applicant is a good fit, the applicant will be invited to officially join a team and begin fundraising.
Dear Prospective Tenacity Cup Player, We want you to have a terrific and special experience in the Tenacity Cup to help Tenacity students. We also want you to know that we’re counting on you and want you to understand the help we need from you. Please read the following carefully before submitting your application.
Fundraising Commitment
By participating as a player in the Tenacity Cup, you are committing to raise at least $2,500. While this is the minimum commitment required to participate, we encourage all players to aim for higher goals. Remember that all of the money raised helps provide the tools and support necessary to ensure a brighter future for less advantaged students in Boston. You can do it!! Every player who is accepted must provide a valid credit card to participate. The Tenacity Cup requires all players to set up a personal fundraising page on our peer-to-peer fundraising platform. Not only does this provide a secure and easy place for your supporters to make online donations, you will have access to email templates and other tools that will help make reaching out to potential supporters as well as thanking supporters once they donate, simple and convenient. Plus the platform lets you see progress towards your fundraising goal at a glance and keeps track of all of your donors and their donations. If you’re not able to reach the minimum commitment by the day of the Cup, Tenacity reserves the right to charge your credit card the difference. Tenacity will continue to accept donations after the Cup concludes.
Tenacity Cup Player Acceptance
A representative from Tenacity will notify you if you have been accepted as a player in the Tenacity Cup and will work with you to secure a place on a Cup team.
Setting Up your Fundraising Page
Tenacity will provide support every step of the way in getting your personal fundraising page set up. We provide a handy fundraising guide that is available as a resource on the Cup page of our website and will gladly email a copy on request. We will also happily assist you with any questions or issues that may arise. The best person to contact for fundraising page support is our Director of Development, Brendan McCue: brendanmccue@tenacity.org.
Release Form and Contribution Agreement
In consideration of my accepting a position as a Captain in the Tenacity Cup, I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights for claims and damages I may have against Tenacity, its employees, volunteers, officers and sponsors for any and all injuries suffered or sustained by me in said event, in the training and planning sessions for said event, or travel to or from any of the preceding. I further attest and certify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for competition in this event, and a licensed medical doctor has verified my physical condition.
I hereby assume any and all risks related to such event. I also grant permission for use of my name and or photograph or voice in broadcast, telecast, print or any other account of this event and agree to waive any compensation for such use. I agree to provide a current or recent photograph of myself upon request from Tenacity.
I agree to collect a minimum of $2,500 for Tenacity by June 22, 2023. If I have not reached the minimum by that date, I will personally be responsible for the balance owed. I understand that Tenacity reserves the right to charge the balance I owe to my credit card after June 22, 2023. I declare that I have exercised my own judgment in accepting this agreement and I further declare that the decision to accept this agreement was voluntary and not based on or influenced by any representation of Tenacity.
In the event of an illness, injury or medical emergency arising during the event or in the training and planning sessions for said event, I hereby authorize and give my consent to Tenacity to secure from any accredited hospital, clinic and/or physician any treatment deemed necessary for my immediate care. I agree that I will be fully responsible for payment of any and all medical services and treatment rendered to me including but not limited to medical transport, medications, treatment, and hospitalization.

By submitting an application to participate as a Captain in the Tenacity Cup you are acknowledging that you have read and agree to the Terms & Conditions. Each Captain application will be reviewed by a Player Council to ensure that teams will have a balance of abilities and fundraising capabilities to support success for the Tenacity mission and funding of student programs. If the Player Council determines the Captain applicant is a good fit, the applicant will be invited to officially assume leadership of a team.
Dear Prospective Tenacity Cup Team Captain, we want you to have a terrific and special experience in the Tenacity Cup. We also want you to know that we’re counting on you and want you to understand the help we need from you. Please read the following carefully before submitting your application.
Responsibilities:
- Fundraising Commitment: As a Captain, you’ll lead team fundraising efforts to exceed a team goal of at least $50,000 and provide encouragement to help your players exceed their individual goals (players must raise a minimum of $2,500). You can do it!! By participating as a Captain in the Tenacity Cup, you are personally committing to raise at least $5,000. While this is the minimum commitment required to participate as a Captain, we encourage all Captains to aim for larger goals. Remember that all of the money raised helps provide the tools and support necessary to ensure a brighter future for less advantaged students in Boston. Thank you for understanding the objective! Every Captain who is accepted must provide a valid credit card to participate. The Tenacity Cup requires all Captains and players to set up a personal fundraising page on our peer-to-peer fundraising platform. Not only does this provide a secure and easy place for your supporters to make online donations, you will have access to email templates and other tools that will help make reaching out to potential supporters as well as thanking supporters once they donate, simple and convenient. Plus the platform lets you see progress towards your fundraising goal at a glance and keeps track of all of your donors and their donations. If you’re not able to reach the minimum commitment by the day of the Cup, Tenacity reserves the right to charge your credit card the difference. Tenacity will continue to accept donations after the Cup concludes.
- Team Management for the Tenacity Cup Competition: Captains agree to work with Tenacity to recruit players to form an awesome co-ed team of four doubles pairs of varying skill levels. Together with Tenacity, Captains will set up a team fundraising page and a personal fundraising page with hands-on instruction, support and service from Tenacity.
Setting Up Your Personal Fundraising Page and Team Page
Tenacity will provide support every step of the way in getting your personal fundraising page as well as your team page set up. We provide a handy fundraising guide that is available as a resource on the Cup page of our website and will gladly email a copy on request. We will also happily assist you with any questions or issues that may arise. The best person to contact for fundraising page support is our Director of Development, Brendan McCue: brendanmccue@tenacity.org.
Release Form and Contribution Agreement
In consideration of my accepting a position as a Captain in the Tenacity Cup, I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights for claims and damages I may have against Tenacity, its employees, volunteers, officers and sponsors for any and all injuries suffered or sustained by me in said event, in the training and planning sessions for said event, or travel to or from any of the preceding. I further attest and certify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for competition in this event, and a licensed medical doctor has verified my physical condition.
I hereby assume any and all risks related to such event. I also grant permission for use of my name and or photograph or voice in broadcast, telecast, print or any other account of this event and agree to waive any compensation for such use. I agree to provide a current or recent photograph of myself upon request from Tenacity.
I agree to collect a minimum of $5,000 for Tenacity by June 22, 2023. If I have not reached the minimum by that date, I will personally be responsible for the balance owed. I understand that Tenacity reserves the right to charge the balance I owe to my credit card after June 22, 2023. I declare that I have exercised my own judgment in accepting this agreement and I further declare that the decision to accept this agreement was voluntary and not based on or influenced by any representation of Tenacity.
In the event of an illness, injury or medical emergency arising during the event or in the training and planning sessions for said event, I hereby authorize and give my consent to Tenacity to secure from any accredited hospital, clinic and/or physician any treatment deemed necessary for my immediate care. I agree that I will be fully responsible for payment of any and all medical services and treatment rendered to me including but not limited to medical transport, medications, treatment, and hospitalization.

Each elite player application will be reviewed by a Player Council to ensure that teams will have a balance of playing abilities and fundraising capabilities. If the Player Council determines the elite player applicant is a good fit, the applicant will be invited to officially join a team.
Release Form
In consideration of my accepting a position as a participant in the Tenacity Cup, I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all rights for claims and damages I may have against Tenacity, its employees, volunteers, officers and sponsors for any and all injuries suffered or sustained by me in said event, in the training and planning sessions for said event, or travel to or from any of the preceding. I further attest and certify that I am physically fit and have sufficiently trained for competition in this event, and a licensed medical doctor has verified my physical condition.
I hereby assume any and all risks related to such event. I also grant permission for use of my name and or photograph or voice in broadcast, telecast, print or any other account of this event and agree to waive any compensation for such use. I agree to provide a current or recent photograph of myself upon request from Tenacity.
In the event of an illness, injury or medical emergency arising during the event or in the training and planning sessions for said event, I hereby authorize and give my consent to Tenacity to secure from any accredited hospital, clinic and/or physician any treatment deemed necessary for my immediate care. I agree that I will be fully responsible for payment of any and all medical services and treatment rendered to me including but not limited to medical transport, medications, treatment, and hospitalization.
Fundraising Guides
Sponsorship Options

- Opportunity for team entry for 8 company players, partnered with two elite and two student players. Please note: Captain and players are still obligated to meet fundraising minimums.
- Event volunteer opportunity for Sponsor employees*
- Sponsor recognition on Cup Welcome Guide, Tenacity home and Cup web pages, e-communication to more than 100 players and more than 1,000+ donors
- Sponsor recognition in Cup video released following the event
- Recognition by Tenacity leader and emcee announcements at the event*
- Sponsor clients invited to attend & watch (up to 6)*
- Lunch with teams and students during the Cup*
- Sponsor clients invited to post-event party (up to 6)*
- Special e-message from Sponsor to event participants recognizing sponsorship
- We welcome the opportunity to design bespoke, tailored engagement opportunities and benefits that align with company or individual sponsor objectives
* All in-person benefits are weather permitting
Fee: $50,000
- Complimentary lunch with teams and students during the Cup (up to 4 guests)*
- Sponsor recognition in Cup Welcome Guide, on event web page, and in e-communications to more than 100 players and 1,000+ donors
- Sponsor recognition in post-Cup event recap video
- Sponsor clients invited to post-event party (up to 4)*
* All in-person benefits are weather permitting
Fee: $25,000
- Complimentary lunch with teams and students during the Cup (up to 2 guests)*
- Sponsor guests invited to post-event party (up to 2 guests)*
- Sponsor recognition on Cup Welcome Guide, Tenacity home and Cup web pages, e-communication to more than 100 players and more than 1,000+ donors
* All in-person benefits are weather conditions permitting
Fee: $10,000
- Complimentary lunch with teams and students during the Cup*
- Sponsor guest invited to post-event party*
- Sponsor recognition on Cup Welcome Guide, Tenacity home and Cup web pages, e-communication to more than 100 players and more than 1,000+ donors
* All in-person benefits are weather conditions permitting
Fee: $5,000
Frequently Asked Questions
The Tenacity Cup is a tennis and fundraising competition to support Tenacity programs. Competitive and fun play will be designed for teams and players of all abilities. Teams will be comprised of adult recreational players, elite players, and Tenacity students. There will be two flights of six or eight teams. The flights will vie against each other to win the Tenacity Cup while raising money and awareness for Tenacity.
Longwood Cricket Club, with its beautiful grass courts and elegant clubhouse.
Each of the two flight divisions will have six or eight teams that play intra-divisional round-robin sets to determine a flight winner. Flight winners will square off in the finals to determine the Tenacity Cup champion.
Each team will be led by a captain who will help recruit and rally team members. Teams will have six doubles pairs comprised of one elite pair, four pairs of amateur players, and one pair of Tenacity students.
Matches will be eight game pro sets with no-ad scoring.
Below are some guidelines to help determine your likely playing level based on NTRP guidelines. We are asking players and captains to categorize themselves as Ace level, Backspin level, Crosscourt level, or Deuce level based on the following: Ace level is 4.5 to 5.0; Backspin level is 4.0 to 4.5; Crosscourt level is 3.5 to 4.0; Deuce level is 2.5 to 3.5.
- 2.5 Learning to judge where the ball is going although court coverage is weak. Can sustain a short rally of slow pace with other players of the same ability.
- 3.0 Fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but is not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when trying for directional control, depth or power. Most common doubles formation is one-up and one-back.
- 3.5 Has achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but still lacks depth and variety. Starting to exhibit more aggressive net play, has improved court coverage and is developing teamwork in doubles.
- 4.0 Has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides on moderate shots, plus the ability to use lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys with some success. Occasionally forces errors when serving and teamwork in doubles is evident. Rallies may be lost due to impatience.
- 4.5 Starting to master the use of power and spins and beginning to handle pace, has sound footwork, can control depth of shots and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. Can hit first serves with power and accuracy and place the second serve. Tends to overhit on difficult shots. Aggressive net play is common in doubles.
- 5.0 Has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or exceptional consistency around which a game may be structured. Can regularly hit winners or force errors off of short balls and can put away volleys, can successfully execute lobs, drop shots, half volleys and overhead smashes and has good depth and spin on most second serves.
The Tenacity Cup fundraising goal for Boston is $1,100,000 and the fundraising goal for Worcester is $25,000. Funds raised for each program are designated restricted funds, i.e. all funds raised by teams/players competing for Boston go towards Boston programs and all funds raised by the Worcester team/players go towards the Worcester Summer Tennis & Reading Program. Teams will compete on the court, but the real competition is to see which team spreads the word the most, attracts the most donors, and sets the highest bar for funds raised. Team captains and players rally together as a team and also compete individually in the fundraising arena. Most importantly, teams are challenged to raise as much as they can to support the 5,000 Boston youth and 500 Worcester youth served by Tenacity. Teams, captains and players have individual online fundraising pages through which friends, family and colleagues can donate. Tenacity helps captains and players set up their pages and provides tools like email templates and social media tools that captains and players can use to engage their networks.
There are many ways to support the Tenacity Cup:
- Make a donation or donations to players, captains, and/or teams
- Create your own fundraising page
- Become an event sponsor, flight sponsor, or team sponsor
Have Questions?
Presenting Sponsor

Champion Sponsors
Anonymous
Domenic & Molly Ferrante
Victory Sponsor

Anonymous
John & Kathryn Flatley
David V.N. Taylor
Triumph Sponsors


John & Stephanie Connaughton
Michael & Jill Balmuth
The Crisan Walker Family
Kate Sides Flather
Jenifer Georgia
Patricia & John Glass
Brian & Susan Kavoogian
Colleen & Frank Kettle
Mark & SaSa Panarese
Maria Park
Rob & Chris Perez
Rob & Theresa Wadsworth
Winning Sponsors
Michael & Stacie Arpey
Lori & Michael Bass
Maureen & Dan Gordon
Sean Kenney
Richard Levitan & Susan Edgman-Levitan
Kate & Ben Taylor
Parking Sponsors


In-Kind Sponsors

