The XS Tennis and Education Foundation works to provide academic and financial support to promising junior tennis players. The foundation works to bridge the gap between sports and education with creative programming that focuses upon the T.E.A.M. concept. T.E.A.M. stands for Tennis, Education, Attitude, and Motivation. Beyond tennis and education, junior players are taught to maintain positive attitudes on and off the court while also motivating themselves and others. The XS Tennis and Education Foundation also strives to broaden the game of tennis in high risk, low income populations through tennis programs that are both accessible and affordable. Since 2008, The XS Tennis and Education Foundation is proud to have funded programs where over 1,000 kids have discovered the joy of tennis for the very first time. Many first timers have developed a true love for the game and continue playing today! Tennis builds confidence, discipline and sportsmanship. With your help, the XS Tennis and Education foundation can expand efforts to expose more children to the T.E.A.M. concept…Tennis, Education, Attitude, and Motivation…It all begins with the first lesson.
The cost of private tennis lessons, group training, and tournament play, can easily amount to over $10,000 a year. The Foundation strives to raise funds from corporations and private donors to support our junior tennis athletes that show promise.
After school programs
Due to budgetary constraints, after school and sports programs are being reduced at an alarming rate. The lack of available programs leaves Chicago youth idle at times when they are more likely to become victims of crime or involved in criminal activity. The XS Tennis and Education foundation is committed to administering positive tennis programs within local communities. How?? The Tennis XSpress program takes tennis on the road. With rackets, tennis balls, and portable nets in tow, we transform Chicago Public School gymnasiums into a world of opportunity. In less than 5 minutes, Tennis XSpress can turn any gymnasium into 4 mini-tennis courts. Classes are integrated into the physical education curriculum and/or after school programs. Tennis XSpress targets kids between the ages of 4-12 and teaches more than tennis fundamentals. Kids also learn self-confidence, sportsmanship, and the habits of an active, healthy lifestyle. With your help, we can circulate more kids through the Tennis XSpress program, keeping them safe from mischief and danger.
College scholarships
In just 3 short years, the XS Tennis and Education Foundation has developed six students into Division I college scholarship recipients. That’s a 100% college scholarship rate and a statistic that gives us great pride! In 2009 and 2010, XS Tennis players ages 9 to 16 have placed 1st or 2nd in over 150 USTA sanctioned tournaments. These accomplishments not only demonstrate athletic and academic preparedness, but they also show that tennis is a GOOD investment with quantifiable results.The cost of private tennis lessons, group training, tournament fees, academic tutoring, and ACT/SAT prep can easily surpass $10,000 a year per student. Each component of the program is essential to guarantee that students are equipped to earn undergraduate scholarships by achieving the grades and test scores required for eligibility. With your help, we can create more Division I student athletes.
Life Skills
Understanding that the odds of turning pro are tough, The XS Tennis and Education Foundation inspires every kid to perform at their personal best. The foundation consistently conveys that the benefits of playing the game (commitment, healthy competition and sportsmanship) are far more valuable than a professional paycheck. By playing tennis, children learn how to conduct themselves publicly, perform better in school and treat parents, siblings and friends with respect. With your help we can create greater opportunities for children to develop life skills that will better prepare them for adult success in the workplace and local communities.