Free Programs for Kids Ages 8-18
Youth Tennis Advantage provides free after-school and summer programs exclusively to kids 8-18 years old. We have four Bay Area locations to choose from for your convenience. Programs are designed for kids of all tennis levels and can be joined any time throughout the year, depending on capacity.
Our programs focus on the following three core areas of instruction:
Tennis
We use tennis to empower personal growth, instilling discipline, teamwork, and a strong work ethic through expert coaching. We provide access to the game in underserved communities, promoting physical fitness and qualities like perseverance and resilience.
Academics
We prioritize academic success by offering dedicated coordinators who assist with homework, provide guidance, and offer counseling. Our students benefit from year-round enrichment programs, ensuring they have the tools to excel.
Life Skills
YTA’s Life Skills Curriculum (LSC) merges tennis with vital life skills education, covering nutrition, study routines, positive thinking, peer pressure, and conflict resolution. This integration empowers our youth to become responsible and successful individuals.
Preparing Inner City Youth for Community Leadership and Personal Success
Youth Tennis Advantage is dedicated to enriching the lives of kids ages 8-18 living in underserved communities. Carrying on the vision and legacy of tennis great Arthur Ashe, YTA provides tennis, educational and life skills programs to support the youth on a personal level, inspiring them to reach their greatest potential.
The Big Hitters! Registration is Open
New location! The Berkeley Tennis Club
Click HERE to register!
Join us on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Berkeley Tennis Club for Big Hitters 2023, a beloved YTA tradition since the 1980s. Partner up with Cal Men’s and Women’s Tennis Team members for an exciting day of doubles tennis, followed by a reception. Players from 3.5/4.0 to 5.0+ are welcome, and we organize draws to ensure everyone has a great time. Note: this event usually draws very high level players! So if you are a BIG HITTER, you won’t be the only one!!
- Player donation: $750, please consider donating more if possible!
- Sponsorships available! Contact Mike Skinner, Executive Director, at .
- Date: Saturday, Dec 2
- Time: Tennis will run 12:30 – 3:30 pm, followed by refreshments and socializing
- Location: Berkeley Tennis Club, 1 Tunnel Rd, Berkeley, CA 94705
Space is limited, don’t miss this landmark tennis event — rain or shine, it’s game on!
LOOKING AHEAD: Be a Part of It
In the coming 5 years, YTA is on a path of transformation as we open two new sites, extending our reach to an additional 100 Bay Area youth.
Every single one of these young lives is poised for a life-altering experience, and it’s all about changing the trajectory of their futures.
By reaching more youth, we aim to not only elevate Bay Area graduation rates but also profoundly impact the lives of underserved communities. Join us in this incredible journey that’s all about changing the course of a youth’s life through tennis, academic and enrichment programs.
YTA News
10.10.25
Laver Cup visits YTA’s McLaren Park Program
September 2025 brought the Laver Cup to San Francisco. What a thrill for tennis fans across the Bay! Congratulations to Team World for bringing home the win!
Just days before the matches began, YTA experienced a once-in-a-lifetime moment when Roger Federer, Yannick Noah, and San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie joined YTA youth to inaugurate newly resurfaced courts at McLaren Park in San Francisco – one of our core sites. This was the culmination of the Laver Cup Legacy Project, for which YTA was named as a partner.
The joy on our kids’ faces (and our staff!) as they interacted and played tennis with two such legends of the game is something no one in attendance will forget.
Click HERE to see YTA’s photo album.
For more on the event, please see these fun articles from this magnificent day at McLaren Park!
08.18.25
Summer JTT Jamboree
The Summer JTT Jamboree received a fantastic response, with 47 teams applying for the limited 20-team tournament held the first weekend of August. YTA had three teams qualify for the tournament, all from the McLaren Park site, with one in the 14U Advanced division and two in the 14U Intermediate division.
The students faced some tough battles and played in many tight matches. We are thrilled to announce that our 14U Advanced team and one of our 14U Intermediate teams, the Wolverines, both earned third place.
A huge shoutout goes to all of our students who were nominated for sportsmanship throughout the weekend, with special recognition to Alex and Ryan L. for each being nominated three times. Their dedication to fair play and positive attitudes truly reflects the values of YTA.
