NJTL Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Introduce 200+ Kids to Tennis Through the “First Serve” Experience

More than 200 young people from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County got their first taste of tennis on June 30 at The Greater Stuart Club, as the organization hosted its inaugural “First Serve” Experience in partnership with USTA Florida and the USTA Foundation. 

The event, designed to introduce members in 3rd through 12th grade to the sport in a fun, engaging and accessible environment, brought together participants from all five Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County locations for an afternoon of tennis activities, games and giveaways. Lou Reyes, Athletic Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, was the driving force behind the event, coordinating all five clubs to come together for the day. More than 25 volunteers from the local community helped instruct and encourage participants throughout the afternoon.

What made the “First Serve” Experience unique was its approach to showing kids that tennis can be played anywhere. Organizers utilized every available space at the facility to demonstrate that the sport does not require a traditional tennis court to learn and enjoy. Participants rotated through more than 20 stations designed to teach movement, hand-eye coordination, rallying, teamwork and the fundamentals of tennis using age-appropriate games and modified equipment.

The afternoon wrapped up with the SWAG Court, where participants put the skills and lessons they learned throughout the day to the test for a chance to win tennis equipment. Every participant also left with a SWAG Bag to encourage continued play and grow their interest in the sport beyond the event. 

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County became a National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapter this year, joining a network that brings tennis and education programming to underserved communities across the country. The “First Serve” Experience is a reflection of that commitment, removing barriers like access to courts and equipment to ensure every young person has the opportunity to experience the lifelong benefits of tennis. 

USTA Florida and the USTA Foundation are proud to support initiatives that make tennis accessible, fun and welcoming for young people across the state. The energy and enthusiasm at The Greater Stuart Club was a powerful reminder that when the sport meets kids where they are, the possibilities are limitless.