Tennis for Success Initiative Launch
A youth-oriented tennis initiative known as Tennis for Success is set to commence on July 7 in St. Joseph, Missouri, aiming to instill both on-court skills and vital life lessons among young participants. Spearheading this program is Sara Gupta, a junior at Central High School, who succeeds her sister Alisha Gupta, who laid the groundwork for this community-driven endeavor over the past two years.
Program Details and Goals
The initiative, designed for children aged 11 to 14, emerged as a response to the concerning drop in school engagement among youth not involved in extracurricular activities. Misty Coyle, the program director from the Youth Volunteer Corps, emphasized the importance of targeting this age group to cultivate essential qualities like teamwork and confidence, preparing them effectively for high school challenges.
Running from July 7 to July 24, the program will take place on weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Participants can expect a blend of tennis practice, games, and innovative activities, including mental health support facilitated by a psychology student from Missouri Western University. Such integration aims to provide a comprehensive approach to youth development, blending athletic training with mental wellness.
Community Support and Accessibility
Sara Gupta expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, reflecting on her personal journey with tennis, which began when she was just ten years old. She shared the program’s successes over the years, noting that many past participants have continued to play tennis in high school. Thanks to various sponsorships and community support through the Youth Alliance, all necessary equipment such as rackets is provided to the participants at no cost. The program will employ a “pay what you can” model to ensure accessibility, buttressed by ongoing fundraising efforts.
Registration Information
Interested families can register through the Youth Volunteer Corps‘ official website, contributing to a supportive environment where children can thrive through sport and growth.
