’Tis the Season for Tennis, Toys, and Santa!
- lvosburgh
- Dec 22, 2025
- 3 min read
The holiday season is a time for connection, celebration, and giving back—and this year, Youth Tennis San Diego was proud to bring that spirit to the community youth in City Heights!
On Friday, December 19th, more than 100 youth players and their families joined us for our annual free holiday tennis celebration, where the love of the game met festive fun, from start to finish. From the moment kids stepped onto the community courts, the energy was high, the smiles were constant, and the holiday spirit was in full swing!
The evening featured holiday-themed tennis games, friendly competition, and plenty of prizes! From our volley "Snowball Fights", to forehand-and-backhand “Dress the Elves” races, to the "Ring the Reindeer" obstacle course, laughter filled the courts as players took part in the creative tennis drills designed to keep everyone moving, engaged, and having fun—no matter their age or skill level!
And, to the kids’ delight, Santa made a surprise visit to the courts! Families were invited to a special meet-and-greet with the big man himself, creating a truly magical moment filled with holiday cheer and smiles all around.
In addition, each child went home with a wrapped holiday gift, made possible through our annual community toy drive. Every gift was generously donated by community supporters, and lovingly wrapped by our Youth Tennis San Diego volunteers and staff—helping to ensure that every player felt celebrated, valued, and included during this holiday season.
This special holiday event would not have been possible without the continued support of our incredible YTSD community, especially the Willette Family and the Greenwald Realty Team.
THANK YOU Kathy Willette and family, for your continued sponsorship and commitment to making this holiday tradition possible year after year!
THANK YOU Greenwald Realty Team, whose generosity provided nearly half of the gifts distributed at this year’s event!
Because of partners like these—and the many individuals who donated toys and time—we were able to come together to share joy, spread holiday cheer, and celebrate the power of tennis.
An extra special THANK YOU also goes out to our AMAZING team of community instructors and volunteers! Whether they were on court coaching tennis games and drills, or off court helping at the craft and cookie station, serving up pizza, or engaging with kids during the Santa visit - our holiday “elves” played a huge role in making the evening so special. Their time, energy, and heart were the driving force behind the event’s success, and we are so grateful for their support in everything we do, all year long.
Youth Tennis San Diego is proud of the positive impact we make throughout the community each and every day. Special events like this allow us to build deeper connections on and off the courts, and create moments where kids feel supported, recognized, and loved. As we head into the new year, we are grateful for the families, instructors, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters who continue to believe in our mission. Together, we’re building confidence, community, and opportunity—one swing at a time.
Happy Holidays from all of us at Youth Tennis San Diego!
💛 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!
