CTA Spotlight: Amigos

Amigos, the Richmond Latino Center

A part of the USTA National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network

Location and USTA Midwest District: 
Richmond, Indiana | Central Indiana

Brief History of Organization:

The Amigos Tennis Program launched in 2014 with support from the Central Indiana District of the USTA Midwest. The program started with a group of beginners for summers only but has since grown. It now has four main groups: beginners, advanced beginners, Future Estrellas and Club de Tennis. The Future Estrellas and Club de Tennis players practice three times a week from April through October. Many players have gone on to play for Richmond Senior High School, the only public high school in town.

Programs and Services Offered:

The Amigos Tennis Program focuses on underrepresented populations in the area but is open to all youth who want to play. Health and wellness are priorities, and healthy snacks are provided at every session. The program focuses on mentorship and has several volunteer coaches who work with the youth on and off the courts. The program also helps players to develop confidence and self-esteem. The Amigos Tennis Program also builds cross-cultural connections among its players and families. The families are an important part of the program, and each year a huge picnic is held for all the families, all their children, the players and the coaches.

Proudest Moment/Most Exciting Event:

The NJTL has had many proud player moments, but one of the most exciting events was the spring break tennis camp in Fripp Island, South Carolina. Coaches, parents and 14 players were able to travel to South Carolina for a week to work with tennis pros every day. For some, this was their first time out of Indiana and the first time seeing the ocean. It was a wonderful bonding time for both the players and coaches. There was significant growth in confidence and it was a very special week for everyone.

What Is One Thing You Want Everyone To Know About Your CTA:

Amigos, the Richmond Latino Center, is the only Latinx-serving organization in East Central Indiana and the Amigos Tennis Program is the only tennis program in the area that is free.

How Can The USTA Continue To Support Your Organization:

The USTA has been extremely important to the program, which has benefitted from coaches' training, learning new skills with the players, Tennis Play Days, equipment, and funding to help us keep going. The program also benefits from meeting other NJTL chapters, newsletters, and now the new Facebook page. Thanks to the USTA, The Amigos Tennis Program has been able to continue to develop, grow, learn, and improve.

Learn more about The Amigos by visiting www.amigoslatinocenter.org.