Serving Up Joy at Mann Middle School: Tennis for All

At Mann Middle School, located in the vibrant City Heights community, students aren’t just learning math, science, or English—many are also navigating the challenges of starting a new life in a new country. The school serves a large number of students who are new to the country, including many refugees from Haiti and Somalia, regions that often face economic hardship, housing instability, and complex legal and social systems. San Diego is home to the second-largest Somali community in the United States, and City Heights has become a welcoming place for many families seeking a fresh start.

With Youth Tennis San Diego already making a big impact in the local community at the Urban Village Recreation Center, we were thrilled to bring the joy of tennis directly to Mann Middle School this year!

Youth Tennis San Diego’s free after-school program provides students with a space to laugh, build friendships, and learn the fundamentals of tennis. Every Friday afternoon at Mann MS, the courts come alive with energy and smiles from kids and coaches alike. While sessions typically hold up to 15 students, our dedicated coaches welcomed every child who wanted to join this session—resulting in over 25 students participating this fall!

Our program is about tennis, but it is also about being brave and trying something new. The weekly lessons provide a safe, supportive space where students gain confidence, teamwork skills, and a sense of belonging. For many, it’s the highlight of their week and a reminder that even in a new and sometimes challenging environment, there’s a place to play, belong, and shine.

With guidance from our committed community instructors, Dan King and Larry Newson, students at Mann Middle School were not only introduced to the sport of tennis, but also encouraged to continue building their skills in our year-round programs at the Urban Village Recreation Center, just minutes from the school.

During a recent program visit, Coach Larry shared: “The AST program at Mann MS has attracted a large group of kids from diverse backgrounds. They are excited, energetic, and eager to learn the great game of tennis! Word spread quickly, and new students were showing up every week wanting to join!”

The joy and excitement were evident on the courts! And at the end of this year’s fall session, when students were asked to share what they loved most about the program, every single one said tennis was fun and that they couldn’t wait to join the next session this winter!

A big THANK YOU to Mann Middle School for supporting our programs, to our coaches for sharing their passion for tennis, and to all our players and families for participating.

We LOVE that you LOVE TENNIS!  We can’t wait for our next session in January, as we continue bringing the tennis fun and community connections to City Heights and all across the San Diego community.

💛 We Can’t Do This Without You

Every day, YTSD brings tennis, mentorship, and educational support to children who need it most, at no cost to their families. These programs aren’t just about sport. They’re about building confidence, character, and opportunity. But none of it is possible without the generosity of supporters like you.

🌟 Ways to Give and Make an Immediate Impact

• Site Sponsor – $10,000

  • Fully fund a YTSD program site for an entire year, impacting dozens of youth with consistent instruction, equipment, and academic support.

• Session Sponsor – $5,000

  • Sponsor a 10–12 week season of tennis and life skills training for 20 children in an under-resourced community.

• Scholarship Sponsor – $1,000

  • Give one child a full year of tennis coaching, tutoring, and equipment, opening doors to lasting transformation.

• General Sponsor – $1–$999

  • Every gift counts. Your donation helps provide the gear, books, and resources that make our mission real for every student.

    
    

🎾 Your Support Changes Lives

When you give, you’re not just donating, you’re investing in healthier kids, stronger communities, and brighter futures.

👉 Donate Now and help us continue serving the youth who need us most. Your support will be proudly recognized at our facility and on our website!