When it comes to youth tennis in Palm Beach County, the Delray Beach Youth Tennis Foundation (DBYTF) is one of the biggest assets in the community. By working to enhance the lives of under-resourced youth through tennis, academic support, and life skills, the DBYTF is changing the lives of many. 

Now, with the help of a Program Support grant from the USTA Florida Foundation, they have launched the “Serving Up Dreams” program, which has already seen a positive impact on the community, with more than 60 students taking part. 

According to a 2020 study by United Way of Palm Beach, 46% of the county’s households struggle to make ends meet. Of this, 12% are living below the Federal Poverty Level and the remaining 34% are considered ‘working poor’. That’s why the DBYTF has stepped up and created Serving Up Dreams to the community. It’s a free program for students to stay on or get back on track in their education and tennis life.  

While tennis is a great sport for children to get involved in, the DBYTF also puts a massive emphasis on the classroom. The USTA Florida Foundation was eager to assist in kickstarting this program as it ensures that kids are climbing the mountain in the academic journey, as well as building on their tennis skills. 

The Serving Up Dreams program is hitting those marks and helping students build their social skills in the process. “Participants receive after-school support and 2-3 hours of tutoring each week,” a DBYTF official said. “Our Education Consultant, Board Director, and three to four volunteer tutors are available to students for help with homework assignments. We focus on bringing students up to speed in areas such as grade-level reading comprehension.” 

After those hours of tutoring and homework assistance are complete, DBYTF coaches take the students to the court to learn every aspect of tennis. While building their tennis game is important, they also like to teach the students about character and communication. “Social skill-building is central to our mission and is emphasized at every tennis session.” DBYTF said. “Greeting others appropriately, taking turns, and listening actively are practiced on the court and translate to life-long habits.” 

One participant is living with his mother in a Delray Beach women’s shelter for families who have experienced domestic abuse. He started with DBYTF back in 2019 as a 2nd grader and was unable to read. “This child came to our after-school tennis program every day and received tutoring support. He found a positive male role model in our Director of Tennis, and their relationship encouraged him to stay committed.” 

Thanks to the DBYTF and the Serving Up Dreams program, that participant is now reading at his age level and won two local tournaments in his age group. “To date he and his mother will be leaving the shelter due to her new employment and being self-sustained,” DBYTF said. 

While the program is focused on impacting the youth, it also has positive results on all the families that get their kids involved. The USTA Florida Foundation is grateful to the DBYTF for their work in the community and is thrilled the program support grant is helping change the lives of families in Delray Beach.  

To learn more about applying for grants through the USTA Florida Foundation go to ustafloridafoundation.com/apply-for-grants/program-support-grants/.    

ABOUT THE USTA FLORIDA FOUNDATION    

With a mission of “Changing Lives through Tennis,” the USTA Florida Section Foundation provides financial support to organizations that help people of all ages and abilities improve their health and quality of life through the great game of tennis. To learn more or to apply for a grant go to ustafloridafoundation.com.