After a successful pilot season in the fall of 2021, South Florida Youth Tennis, an afterschool parks program dedicated to bringing free tennis programs to under-resourced and underserved youth in the Miami area, will increase its offerings in 2022.
South Florida Youth Tennis with First Serve Miami, USTA Florida and the USTA Foundation leverages public parks in the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County to expand participation and availability of after-school and National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) programs, with a particular focus on underserved youth.
“USTA Florida is committed to investing in partners and communities that deliver tennis to everyone,” said Laura Bowen, USTA Florida Executive Director. “We are proud to work alongside First Serve Miami and all of our city, county and local partners to lay the foundation for a program that will deliver tennis to youth and adults in every public park in Miami.”
The pilot phase of the program, held in the fall of 2021, successfully delivered after-school tennis programs to 141 participants at five public park facilities across the Miami area – Bryan Park, Goulds Park, Gwen Cherry, Moore Park, and Ruben Dario.
“The program utilizes modified equipment to promote early success in reaching the goals to serve, rally and play in this lifetime sport,” added Bowen. “These programs foster a positive and welcoming environment that helps kids develop a passion for tennis while focusing on character development, teamwork, and healthy lifestyles.”
In 2022, South Florida Youth Tennis will hold three seasons:
- Spring season, Feb. 28 – Apr. 8, 2022
- Summer season, June 27 – Aug. 5, 2022
- Fall season, Sept. 19 – Oct. 28, 2022
The upcoming spring season will also expand to add two new locations, Buccaneer Park and Sgt. Delancy Park, increasing the total number of parks participating to seven.
“Our county parks are an essential resource for access to recreation and learning opportunities for all residents, especially our kids,” said Daniella Levine Cava, Mayor of Miami-Dade County. “I am thrilled that through this partnership and the generosity of USTA and First Serve Miami, the children of high-needs communities will soon enjoy the chance to learn and play the sport of tennis. Collaborative projects like this one create new outlets for youth, improve the health of our community, and nurture the next generation of leaders.”
For more information about South Florida Youth Tennis, please visit www.USTAFlorida.com/SOFLyouthtennis.
