Youth Tennis San Diego: Sharing the Joy of Tennis
- lvosburgh
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Youth Tennis San Diego (YTSD) is back on the courts this fall, sharing the joy of tennis with kids across the city. From local schools and recreation centers, to our very own Barnes Tennis Center, our community coaches are hard at work teaching youth the skills, values, and confidence that come with this lifelong sport we all love. Every afternoon community courts across San Diego are buzzing with laughter, movement, and the joy of kids discovering the game!
At Edison Elementary, tennis has become something much more than a game. The program is free for all participants, and taught by onsite teachers, including the school principal herself, Principal Lee. For many students, this is their first time holding a racquet and learning the sport of tennis. Kids enrolled are making new friends, connecting with teachers in new ways, and finding confidence in every hit and rally on the court. As Principal Lee explains, “We love hosting YTSD at Edison Elementary because it has introduced a diversity of sport to our students and helped immensely with hand/eye coordination. We have fun with the tennis skills, drills, and games for students.”
Over at Muirlands Middle School, the story has been unfolding for more than a decade. What started as a small after-school program has grown into a thriving community, led by longtime instructors John Betlejewski and Mike Martinez. Demand for the program has become so strong that there are now separate days for beginners and intermediate players, ensuring every child has a place to grow their specific level of play. Coaches are teaching the sport, building player confidence and preparing their students for possible high school level of play. Coach John Betlejewski explains: “Our Muirlands After School Tennis Program provides kids with an opportunity to experience tennis, many for the first time, while learning sportsmanship, respect, and perseverance—all while having FUN! In addition to exercise and games, our class has become a great catalyst for kids to make wonderful new friends.”
Drive a little further east and you'll see the Urban Village Recreation Center in City Heights has all community courts alive with tennis each and every day! YTSD has been serving families for more than 20 years at Urban Village Rec with free programs, offered every day of the week, for all ages and all levels of play. The center has become a community hub where locals build skills, stay healthy, and connect with one another. Here, players are invited to take part in the weekly lessons, fitness classes, tennis parent clinics, and homework tutoring in our onsite education room. Community instructor, Ian Chain shares: “Tennis means more than a sport— it is a lifestyle. In our programs, we aim to positively impact everyone who participates, from parents to siblings to players themselves. By keeping kids active and engaged, we’re building healthy habits and values that will last both on and off the court.”
The community programs offered are not just at offsite locations. Our mission also thrives at our home base, the Barnes Tennis Center. Here, YTSD provides low-cost weekly programs for all ages, including a dedicated youth wheelchair program. The weekly programs focus on teaching the fundamentals of tennis, building confidence, and fostering a love for the game. Many of our players start in the beginner sessions and eventually “graduate” to more advanced programs here at Barnes, continuing their tennis journey with dedication and passion. In addition to the low cost community programs, we offer scholarship opportunities to join our onsite Barnes programs throughout the program year. With After School Tennis being the start of the pathway for hundreds of youth players each year, our goal is to continue that journey and growth of the sport. Many of our community players join our onsite Barnes programs with the help of scholarships, and further their skills and love for the game, advancing to tournament play, high school tennis and sometimes even college tennis.
Thanks to our dedicated coaches and volunteers, YTSD is able to bring tennis to youth from all backgrounds, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities citywide. No matter your zip code or economic situation, our mission remains the same: to grow a love for tennis, one student at a time. Whether it’s learning your serve, making a new friend, or simply having fun on the court, Youth Tennis San Diego is committed to making tennis accessible, exciting, and inspiring for every youth athlete across the San Diego community.
Link for scholarship opportunities: https://www.barnestenniscenter.com/programfinancialassistance
Link for community programs offered: https://www.barnestenniscenter.com/afterschooltennis
💛 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!
