USTA, Boys & Girls Clubs team up to bring tennis to Kansas City youth

USTA Missouri Valley teamed up with the Boys & Girls Clubs Breidenthal Unit to introduce tennis to children on Aug. 19 in Kansas City, Kansas. More than 60 kids, many of whom had never before picked up a racquet, participated in this high-energy, low-pressure community outing.

The event served as the kickoff of a pilot program and a new and exciting partnership between the USTA and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City. It featured age-appropriate equipment, including lower-compression red balls and shorter racquets, and helped raise awareness about the benefits of Junior Team Tennis (JTT).

“The kids brought amazing energy and had a blast on court,” said Sam Owoo-Battlet, USTA Missouri Valley manager, regional junior team play for Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska. “Some kids who had to leave during the event asked when we would do this again, which was really heartwarming to hear.

“That excitement was just as rewarding for the Boys & Girls Clubs Breidenthal staff, who enjoyed introducing the kids to a new sport alongside us.”

Owoo-Battlet has a special connection to the Boys & Girls Clubs, as he was the former program director for the J&D Wagner Unit. He’s passionate about tennis and helping bring the sport to children who otherwise may not experience it.

“Personally, this event meant a lot to me,” he said. “I have a passion for youth development, and being able to collaborate with the organization now through my role with USTA Missouri Valley was truly a blessing for me.

“I love seeing kids open their minds to something new like tennis instead of just the usual basketball or football. When kids try something different, they realize they might be good at it. And that lesson carries into life as well: keeping an open mind can lead to vision and success.”

Owoo-Battlet said the event kickstarted an incredible opportunity to strengthen communities within USTA Heart of America by showcasing tennis as a sport that’s inclusive, welcoming and one that can be played for a lifetime.

“From our section’s perspective, this event was a blessing and a powerful reminder of why we do this work,” Owoo-Battlet said. “We are passionate about creating access to tennis and building opportunities for team play. … It was a truly meaningful event for the kids and the community, and I’m glad I could be part of it.”

With the success of this event, Owoo-Battlet shared a three-pronged approach to expanding tennis programming for children in USTA Heart of America. First, he plans to help launch a Youth Red Ball Team League pilot at the Boys & Girls Clubs Breidenthal Unit as part of their weekly programming.

Next, a model program will be built that can expand to all Boys & Girls Clubs in Kansas and Missouri, which is more than 10 clubs. Finally, he hopes to help create a pathway leading to a postseason showcase and interclub competitions.