Where to teach tennis for non-profits/public schools in DFW?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael on February 27, 2009 at 11:31am

I am interested also. I am a 4.0 competitor, and I have done this around the world, volunteering in middle east and east europe. I would love to do this in the DFW area.

If nothing is already set up, maybe some people here could somehow start something to do this?

Permalink Reply by Eric (4.5) on March 17, 2009 at 10:31am

Hi Michael -- unfortunately, still no responses yet -- I'll keep you posted if I happen to hear anything, and hope that you'll do the same as well. Meanwhile, I wanted to bump this post to see if anyone had any ideas. I'm sure there must be some tennis players in the DFW that also volunteer. Please speak up, guys -- don't be shy!

Best,
Eric

Michael said:

I am interested also. I am a 4.0 competitor, and I have done this around the world, volunteering in middle east and east europe. I would love to do this in the DFW area.

If nothing is already set up, maybe some people here could somehow start something to do this?

Permalink Reply by SWARD on March 17, 2009 at 4:50pm

Have either of you tried contacting some local recreation centers that are located in financially disadvantaged areas? I'm sure they would love to take advantage of your generous offer to teach underprivileged children. Also, you can contact some middle schools and/or high schools that have tennis courts to see if you would be welcome there. I can't imagine many people would turn down "free" and it would occupy some kids' time that might otherwise get into trouble. Good luck!

Permalink Reply by Eric (4.5) on March 17, 2009 at 4:59pm

Hi SWARD - I think that's a great suggestion. The points you mentioned are exactly the reason why I'm interested in these opportunities, and I assume the same is true for Michael as well. We are fortunate enough to have reached a certain skill level in tennis where it would be great to share our passion and enthusiasm for the sport with others, especially if it means giving the opportunity to underprivileged individuals to do something habit-forming for their lives and potentially keep them out of harm's way.

I'll spend some time searching for recreational centers in the DFW area. That being said, if any institutions come to your mind, would you please let me know? I'm fairly new to Texas, so my level of familiarity with the DFW area is still fairly basic.

Many thanks,
Eric

Permalink Reply by Kameron Craig on April 8, 2009 at 4:55pm

Look in to local non profits running under the USTA banner, im sure you can find a list somewhere. My parents ran the Rowlett Tennis Ass. for quite a few years. We did assembly's at the local grade schools, if certified you can even get paid to run them. Im sure if you got in contact with a few community groups or clubs they would love help running mixers, events and such. I wish i had more info, unfortunately my parents no longer run the program in Rowlett. The people that run the USTA Texas section are very helpful and always looking to grow the game, you may be able to contact them and they could give you some emails or numbers of programs in the area.

Good luck
Kameron

Permalink Reply by Samantha Cox on August 1, 2009 at 10:48am

I think this is a great idea!

I am involved in a professionals club that volunteers heavily with the Boys and Girls club of Dallas, I am sure they would just love for you to teach some sort of regular clinic for the kids. Also, next week organizers from the Big Bothers/Big Sisters are coming to my office to speak about a special program they have especially for children of convicts, an especially at risk children's group, so they might be interested to. Give me a couple of days to reach out to my contacts and I'll send you more concrete information.

Thanks,