YTA History & Mission
From the inspiration and assistance of many tennis greats and community leaders, including Arthur Ashe, YTA was formed in 1999 from a merger of two nonprofits— Youth Tennis Foundation (est. 1968) and NJTL of San Francisco (est. 1975). Both organizations initially ran free summer tennis programs for kids in under-resourced neighborhoods in San Francisco, adding after-school programs and branching out to surrounding cities some time later. Tennis proved to be a great vehicle for kids to develop a healthy lifestyle, meet new friends, open them up to new opportunities and gain invaluable life skills.
Youth Tennis Advantage’s (YTA) mission is to help close opportunity and achievement gaps for under-resourced youth in the San Francisco Bay Area through comprehensive tennis, academic and enrichment programs, seeking to promote the physical, educational, and life skills necessary to prepare and empower them to reach for their full potential.
YTA runs year-round programs in the Bay Area, proudly serving more than 300 kids each year.
YTA Board Statement on Racial Justice
Since its inception over 50 years ago, Youth Tennis Advantage has shown an unconditional commitment to racial equality and social justice.
We believe our mission to provide tennis, academics and life skills to under resourced youth levels the playing field and helps our students succeed in school and life.
Our programs serve a diverse population of students, the majority of whom are Black.
We recognize we must state what is obvious to us. YTA stands in unequivocal solidarity with Americans of color, especially with the Black community, many of whom struggle with daily racism and the large income disparities, poor health outcomes, lack of opportunities, and violence that comes from systemic racism.
Black Lives Matter. They have always mattered to YTA.
This is a profoundly urgent and important racial justice issue. This is not an endorsement of any organization, political party or politician. This is about fundamental human rights.
Why Tennis?
According to a USTA Foundation Special Report, youth who play tennis get better grades, have college aspirations, are better behaved, and are more community-minded and well rounded. We think that’s pretty great.
Check out some of the USTA Foundations awesome graphics about the benefits of tennis:
“Through tennis lives are being changed and spirits reclaimed.”
- Arthur Ashe
Local Partners
We are so grateful for the support of our community. These are some of the amazing organizations that have partnered with YTA to support underserved youth in our community. Together we are making a difference.
