I wanted to introduce you to our Love-15 program,

Love 15 is a free tennis instructional program open to any Rochester City resident from the age of 7 to 17. The sites are strategically located to target low-income minority youth who would not ordinarily have the opportunity or inclination to play tennis, due to lack of funding and resources The program is designed to teach basic tennis skills, rules, etiquette, life skills, and positive values and usually serves 200 to 300 kids every summer.

Kids who participate in the program learn a lot more than tennis. They are encouraged to read a certain amount of books per summer in order to increase literacy among the group. There is also a big-brother big-sister component of the program, where older participants are matched up with up younger ones, to install the importance of being a role model and to pass on knowledge and skill sets to those who are in need of them.

Due to the popularity of the program, there are a lot of participants that want to come back every year are encouraged to apply for the volunteer internship program (VIP). They learn safety procedures, court management, on-court teaching, professionalism, leadership and communication. Our teen students who complete this program often go on to become instructors the following year.

Our Love-15 leaders and coaches say, "This is a really special group of kids that come to this program. The students initially come to learn how to play tennis, but it also gives them a new positive network of friends for them to hang out with. Tennis is a hard sport, and you can see how they really push themselves and get a great sense of accomplishment and self-esteem once they are done. The program also produces great leaders, which is a positive benefit to the community even after the program ends.

Sign up for our programs today!

https://apm.activecommunities.com/rochesterymca/Home

Chuck Hazlett

Sports, Teen, and Family Staff Associate

Maplewood Family YMCA

25 Driving Park Ave., Rochester NY 14613

585-277-1654