Pete Brown Junior Tennis Program - Changing Lives
This free youth tennis program shows how the sport has the power
to open doors to success that may have otherwise remained shut.
The area around Harvard Park was the deadliest place for African Americans
in Los Angeles County in 2017, according to the LA Times' Homicide Report.
The Crips-Bloods rivalry has long made Harvard Park a dangerous place.
Tennis has the power to change lives. The Pete Brown Junior Tennis Program in South Central Los Angeles is dedicated to enriching the lives of children by providing free tennis, mentoring and education in a safe and positive environment. Marty Woods founded this program in 2009 in memory of his coach and mentor, Pete Brown. The program promotes junior tennis as a platform for character development, physical fitness and lifetime achievement as they stress the importance of character, integrity and sportsmanship — ideals that were critically important to Mr. Brown and his family.
If you ever have a chance to meet Marty, you’ll quickly be enveloped in a big hug and realize how huge his heart is as he spends his days inspiring young people to seek achievable dreams. Last month, I was joined by Marty and PBJTP board member Anne Star as they explained the impact their program truly has on so many individuals.
The stories and passion I heard in this episode inspired me to get more involved. Tennis Warehouse has been a supporter of the PBJTP for the past seven years, and I headed to the Harvard Park Tennis Courts in Los Angeles for their Holiday Event. The day consisted of so much love, kindness, gratitude, fun and, of course, tennis. Families and kids of all ages were invited to participate for a free day of tennis and instruction. They were also treated to lunch, tennis gear and many, many gifts. Sure, it sounds like a lovely day, but let me try to paint the picture a bit better.
Many of these families cannot afford new clothes, let alone tennis shoes or Christmas gifts, and would never have the ability to play the sport of tennis if it weren’t for events like this one. Many of these kids have been exposed to the darker sides of life that many of us know nothing about — teens who deal drugs, kids with parents who are in jail, gang violence. The Pete Brown Junior Tennis Program allows these children to create a life they never dreamed imaginable, and it all starts on the court.
The program currently has 45 volunteers
who coach, mentor and assist the 51 juniors who are currently enrolled.
They have awarded 35 scholarships with a goal of reaching more than 50 in 2020!
In 2017, Harvard Park was named the deadliest corner in Los Angeles. Despite that, week in and week out, Marty offers free tennis. He continues to unite his community and encourage all people who crass his path to reach their highest potential. From what I was told, this is the only program in California offering free tennis. But PBJTP goes beyond that — players can get coaching and instruction several times a week, get help with homework, learn other languages and so much more all at no cost. The program incorporates Academic Creative Engagement to encourage academic achievement. Not only will these kids get to college and get degrees, but they will also compete for top schools. These players are coached to have the skills to succeed on and off the court.
About the author
Michelle Heidbrink is the host and brainchild of the Talk Tennis Podcast. She is a Tennis Warehouse playtester and lifelong player.
