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
10.25.23
McLaren Park Team Shines at Impact Team Tennis Junior Nationals
The McLaren Park tennis team made a significant impact at this year’s Impact Team Tennis Junior Nationals, formerly known as the World Team Tennis Junior Nationals. Placing 8th out of 16 competing teams, their journey was marked by determination and triumph.
Unlike past years with a rigid qualifying method, this year introduced an application process. As Wing Yan from McLaren Park explained, “The highest-rated team, judged by UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) and WTN (World Team Tennis) average, received the bid to go. If they had gone with the former method, we still would have gotten the bid since we came in 2nd place last year for coed 18U Advanced.”
This accomplishment reflects YTA’s McLaren Park teams’ excellence in junior tennis and their unwavering dedication. Youth Tennis Advantage celebrates their remarkable performance and looks forward to their continued success on the court.
Click HERE to see photos.
10.16.23
Meet Enam
Enam is a rising tennis star with a heart of gold, dedicated to both her sport and her community. For three years, she has been a standout player at the YTA Bushrod Park/Oakland Site, impressing with her skills on the court and her unwavering commitment to YTA’s values. Enam and her father are active volunteers, exemplifying the program’s dedication to supporting the community.
In 2023, Enam won the YTA essay contest with her insightful words that reflected her profound understanding of YTA’s values. She quoted Althea Gibson, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging those who have supported us on our journey to success. Enam recognizes that achievements are seldom solitary; they are the result of collective support and mentorship.
Enam’s personal growth is as impressive as her tennis skills. “I did not have any tennis skills at all, but since I joined YTA, I have learned and improved a lot. I appreciate my coaches very much. This program also made me more social and more confident. I’m less shy and more happy to speak up and talk in front of people.”
During the summer, Enam had a remarkable opportunity that significantly impacted her. She attended the Carmel Valley Tennis Camp, a cherished partnership of YTA, which generously invites two YTA students to their sleep-away camp each year. Enam was among the fortunate few selected to participate, and it proved to be a valuable and transformative experience for her.
Her promising tennis career, combined with her humility and dedication, inspires everyone she encounters within the YTA community and beyond. Enam epitomizes the power of mentorship, community, and seizing opportunities, making her an exceptional role model for young tennis players.