TAF Tennis Ladders Celebrates 50th Anniversary With 1970s Style Tennis Picnic
Back in 1976, TAF Tennis Ladders of Long Island (formerly known as TAF or Tennis Association of Farmingdale), was formed as an affordable way for people of all abilities to play tennis in the Farmingdale area to meet the intense excitement around the game at the time.
This summer, TAF Tennis Ladders, now the longest running community tennis organization on Long Island, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special themed-event at its annual tennis picnic.
“I joined TAF in 1983, having moved to Long Island from Brooklyn and knowing literally no one out here, and it turned out to be the gateway of tennis beyond what I could have imagined at that time,” said Rich Hume, President of TAF. “And now all these years later, I have the honor of being president of the league while we are celebrating our 50th year–incredible!”
The 50th anniversary celebration was held at Farmingdale State College, and featured fun drills, TAF pro-set match play and round robin tennis play across the six outdoor courts. There was a picnic style lunch and dozens of raffle prizes and appealing TAF tennis swag. 
In homage to the founding of TAF, many members dressed up in authentic tennis outfits from the late 1970s, and even used wooden racquets. It was a wonderful celebration of the origins of the league, and how far it has come. Players in the league embrace the competition, the benefits of exercise and improvement, and the camaraderie and strong friendships that get made on the courts.
“I joined TAF in 2023 through a recommendation from a friend who is also a happy TAF member. It has been an exciting and fun three years since then,” said Ashish Dwivedi. “The opportunity to be part of the environment, spend time on the courts, and build friendships is something I look forward to. My game has improved a lot since I had the opportunity to play with a variety of players having different styles and techniques. The membership has motivated me to remain active with a positive impact on my health and well being. TAF membership has given me a way to connect with people who share common interests and share some memorable moments. I am very happy to be part of the welcoming and supportive community.”
Carl Calderone echoed that sentiment:
“The people here are all friendly and sociable, and that’s really what my wife and I were looking for. The convenience is also amazing. I live in Farmingdale but was playing up in Oyster Bay a lot, and this is right around the corner from me. I look forward to playing good tennis, but also making good friendships that last a lifetime. I’m very excited about that.”
For a lot of tennis players, being able to find a doubles partner, or someone to play singles against can sometimes be a difficult process. The convenience provided by TAF’s seven different tennis folders allows players to always be able to find a game not far from home.
“I was tired of scrounging around to find a fourth for a doubles game, or even a singles partner when someone got sick or couldn’t play for another reason, so I joined and found out there’s always someone wanting to play,” said Jeanie Lata. “I have met some really nice people, and it gives me a much larger pool to choose from when it comes to playing. I actually happened to meet a childhood friend who was in the group. I didn’t even know she was playing, and we were able to reconnect for the first time since grammar school.”
Stacy Darvin has been a TAF member for the last five years, and raves about its friendly and competitive games, and what comes along with the membership.
“I always look forward to the TAF season,” she said. “It’s so much fun and very affordable, compared to other options. It’s a great way to network and meet tennis players all throughout Long Island. The staff is fabulous and do a great job organizing everything, including the drills and round robins they host for all members throughout the season.”
The season runs from April to October and is available to players of all ages and abilities, open to all on Long Island and Queens, featuring seven level based ladders and members.
Hume and the TAF Board are proud of what the league has meant to so many people throughout the years, and are motivated to continue to do more in the next years, including more automation on its website, and more tennis-focused events.
“Thinking back on all the matches I’ve played over those years, the lasting impression I come away with is not whether I won or lost, but the enduring friendships with all the hundreds of people I’ve met over the years of our shared passion for tennis,” Hume said. “Congratulations to all of our members–past, present and future, and let’s keep it going!”
To learn more about TAF, its history, and how to join for the 2025 or 2026 season, visit TAFTennis.org.
