The Metropolitan Tennis Group (MTG), based in Manhattan, N.Y., has colored the courts of the Big Apple with a diverse and accepting group of tennis enthusiasts for more than 20 years. 

 

Founded in 1987, the non-profit organization offers plenty of tennis programs and activities for LGBTQ tennis players of all ages and levels. Monthly singles play, doubles play, winter leagues and summer ladders fill the tennis calendar year-round, providing opportunities for everyone to hit the courts. 

 

Every July, MTG hosts the Liberty Open, its marquee tournament, and a premier event on the Gay Lesbian Tennis Association World Tour. Held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., the tournament has as many as 300 participants from across the country compete on the same courts on which the US Open is held, making it the only GLTA tournament played on a Grand Slam site. 

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Besides the robust tennis offerings, MTG offers members something even greater – community. 

 

“I believe in the community aspect of the group,” said MTG Commissioner and Courts and Event Director Daniel Arzuaga. “MTG gives people a group, a family and a place to belong.”

 

Arzuaga joined MTG in 2007, becoming first an active member and then joining the board, helping to facilitate a sport and group he truly loves. 

 

“I joined the board because I love tennis and because I believe in the power of tennis and how it can be such a positive force in people's lives,” Arzuaga said. “It's not only great exercise and fun, but it's a great way to meet people, build communities and foster camaraderie, and spawn joy and happiness.” 

 

When scrolling through MTG’s Facebook page, one will see several non-tennis postings, including organized happy hours, meet-ups and other social outings for the group, which foster a sense of community and family. 

 

Social outings are also a means of giving back to the community. Community outreach and philanthrophy are cornerstones of MTG. In 2017, MTG raised more than $7,500, which was donated to various LGBTQ charities. 

 

“One of the things that makes me proud to be an MTG member is the political responsibility and sensitivity of our MTG family,” Arzuaga said. “Over the years, MTG has donated to many charities and organizations to help improve the LGBT communities around us.”

 

For more information on MTG, click here.

 

Photo provided by Metropolitan Tennis Group.