Urban Village Tennis - Growth, Connection & New Courts!!
- Apr 30
- 4 min read
Some programs teach a sport—others become part of a community’s heartbeat. At the Urban Village Rec in City Heights, that pulse is now stronger than ever, amplified by the newly resurfaced courts that mirror the energy, pride, and promise of the people they serve. With all four courts fully repaired and refreshed, the future of programming feels even brighter these days! More than just a place to play, this transformation represents access, opportunity, and a meaningful investment in a community that truly deserves it.
This April, the resurfacing project was completed, and made possible through a partnership between the Greater San Diego Tennis Council, Youth Tennis San Diego, and the City of San Diego. With fresh paint, new nets, and updated windscreens, the space now feels completely revitalized—matching the spirit and energy of the community it supports.
A ribbon-cutting celebration is scheduled for May 24th, marking not only the unveiling of upgraded facilities, but also a renewed commitment to the families who call this place home and continue to bring life, energy, and purpose to these courts.
At its core, our community programs are about tennis—but what happens during the lesson is only part of the story. Each week, children arrive not just to learn the sport, but to build confidence, connect with peers and coaches, and develop friendships and a true sense of belonging.
With over 100 participants joining the fun each week and hundreds of hours of FREE instruction provided by YTSD, Urban Village continues to be a place where opportunity isn’t defined by circumstance—it’s a space where kids can DREAM BIG! And now, with the revitalized court space, that impact will only grow—welcoming more players, more families, and creating even more moments of connection.
With our AMAZING team of dedicated instructors and a variety of programs offered throughout the week, every player receives meaningful attention, guidance, and support. For many participants, these sessions provide consistent mentorship, and often the only opportunity they have to play a sport outside of school. Youth of all ages and skill levels, from kindergarten through high school, take part, with many picking up a racket for the very first time through the program, and continuing their journey into tournament play and high school tennis. With additional opportunities offered by YTSD, extending beyond the court—including fitness, homework support, tournaments, and community festivals—the Urban Village Rec has become more than a tennis court. It has become a social hub, a gathering place, and a second home for the many families it serves.
Our continued partnership with the rec center and the on-site Rise Up Leadership Academy remains a cornerstone for this work as well.
Each week, Rise students step away from their after-school studies to engage in structured tennis lessons that promote healthy habits, build leadership skills, and inspire belief in what is possible. Our goal is for the Rise students to take full advantage of the opportunities provided and continue their tennis journey for years to come—growing not only as athletes, but as confident, resilient young people both on and off the court.
In addition to our weekly youth lessons, we continue to see strong interest in our on-site Parent Tennis Clinics. While children train on the court, parents are invited to step on as well, and many do so for the very first time! Our goal is to teach parents the fundamentals of the sport, just as we do for their children. Each day, parents are out there learning forehands, backhands, volleys, serves, and having fun!
And what once was an afternoon spent simply watching their child take lessons has grown into something far more meaningful. The parent clinic creates space for shared learning of the sport, laughter, movement, and connection.
Parents are no longer just spectators—they have become active participants. And in doing so, something truly special has taken shape, families are now playing together before and after class, and even on weekends!
As one program family shared, “We love this place! It’s where we have fun and play together as a family.” And many others have expressed deep gratitude for the gift of tennis as well—
not just as an individual sport, but as something they can experience and enjoy together as a family.
As we wrap up another meaningful program year, we’re reminded that this work is rooted in a shared belief in community—that every child deserves access, every family deserves support, and every neighborhood deserves spaces to come together and thrive. Kids, coaches, and families alike are excited and deeply grateful for the support of the community surrounding them.
Thank you to everyone who made this possible!
For more information regarding the May 24th, Court Ribbon Ceremony, please email Lvosburgh@ytsd.org
💛 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!
