Tackling inactivity: Wilson’s rental program lowers barriers to sport

Physical inactivity is one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. Globally, over 80% of adolescents and 31% of adults do not meet the World Health Organization’s recommended levels of physical activity—at least 60 minutes per day for youth and 150 minutes per week for adults. This inactivity trend has serious implications for both physical and mental health across all age groups.

Our brands play a meaningful role in turning the tide. Wilson contributes to increasing access to sport through its Elevate Your Game initiative, a community-focused program designed to make it easier for people to get active.

Whether you’re interested in trying a new racket sport or are an occasional player, purchasing new equipment can be a barrier to entry. With affordable equipment rentals and free monthly programming available at 15 of Wilson’s U.S. retail locations, the initiative creates more accessible and inclusive opportunities to get into racket sports. The monthly programming is designed to help players elevate their game through workshops like Racket Maintenance 101, led by Wilson-trained experts in stringing and racket care, as well as sessions on nutrition, tennis-specific training, and gear essentials.

The program offers affordable equipment rentals, including rackets for tennis, padel, and pickleball, and if a customer decides to purchase the equipment after renting, the rental fee is waived. For students, Wilson offers a special benefit: with a valid student ID, they can rent equipment free of charge for three days. The goal is to help them find the perfect fit when starting out or getting more serious in their sport.

A more inclusive and responsible way into sport

Programs like Elevate Your Game can offer young people a more approachable way into sports. Lowering the cost and commitment to getting started makes it easier to explore new activities and build healthy routines that last.

“At Wilson we believe that sport should be accessible to everyone, regardless of experience, budget or background,” says Erin Pelton, Director of Retail at Wilson. “Elevate Your Game is rooted in making sport fun and welcoming, and we are committed to reaching more athletes through this program.”

In addition to removing financial and practical barriers, Elevate Your Game encourages more responsible consumption by extending the use of gear through rentals, supporting a shift towards a circular economy.

Through Elevate Your Game, Wilson is elevating the world through sport through making it more open, accessible, and sustainable.

Click here to read article