Richmond Community Tennis Association Awarded USTA Foundation Grant

USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the United States Tennis Association (USTA), today announced it has awarded the Richmond Community Tennis Association a $10,000 program grant. The foundation concluded its 2014 grant funding cycle by awarding $741,500 in grants to 44 organizations that provide tennis and education to under-resourced youth and people with disabilities, as well those organizations with a need for program infrastructure support.

Grant funds will be used to expand the existing youth tennis program by combining education, fitness and nutrition components with tennis instruction and competition. Funds also will enable the program to reach youth in the low-income community of Richmond. Between 200 and 300 students, ages 5-18, will receive instruction in tennis designed to develop young players at each level of play. The plan incorporates principles and techniques promoted by the USTA Junior Development Pathway program and the USTA Northern California’s technical competencies for 10 and Under Tennis. Players will learn proper stroke technique, movement and racquet preparation, court strategy, tennis conditioning and a mental approach to competition.

The USTA Foundation program grant is a biannual national initiative that was established to award organizations that successfully combine tennis and education to give under-resourced youth and individuals with disabilities the opportunity to play tennis and improve their academic skills in a structured setting. These programs also strive to help combat childhood obesity by promoting healthy lifestyles.

“The USTA Foundation is honored to recognize such outstanding organizations around this country, which greatly impact so many deserving students, children in need and the communities in which they live,” said Dan Faber, Executive Director, USTA Foundation. “Their amazing work makes a difference in thousands of lives across the country and truly inspires us all.”

To date, USTA Foundation has awarded more than $19 million in grants and scholarships to hundreds of programs benefitting thousands of children and adults through tennis, education and health programming, primarily through the NJTL network and also through efforts to assist Military Personnel, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities.