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At AYTEF, we believe in the transformative power of tennis and education. Now, you have the chance to be a part of this incredible journey. We're currently seeking individuals to fill key roles:
Tennis Pros: We're on the lookout for two dynamic individuals to join us at Fair Oaks Tennis Center, dedicating their afternoons to coaching our beginner/intermediate GameSetMatch sessions from Monday to Friday throughout the year.
Social Media Coordinator: If you're a social media whiz with a passion for storytelling, our Social Media Coordinator role might be the perfect fit for you. Take charge of creating, posting, updating, and curating content for our online community.
For more information on these part-time, paid job opportunities, reach out to Kirsten Robles at kirsten@aytef.org.
Additionally, don't miss the chance to shape the future of AYTEF by applying for our Board of Directors and Committees before October 6. Your involvement can make a world of difference.
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AYTEF's Atlanta Open Experience: Tennis Clinic, Grants, and More
Thanks to our partnership with PGA Tour Superstore, AYTEF youth were not only treated to an exceptional tennis clinic at the esteemed Atlanta Open, but they also received tickets to watch the day session of the tournament. This event provided our young athletes with invaluable instruction from Luke Jensen and Andres Martin of the GA Tech Tennis Team. In addition, our collaboration with PGA Tour Superstore resulted in a generous $5,000 community grant award, which will significantly bolster our programming at the Fair Oaks Tennis Center. A heartfelt thanks to Rich Alvarez and PGA TOUR Superstore team for leading this memorable outing for our AYTEF youth and families.
Additionally, our youth had the honor of meeting the phenomenal Coco Gauff, leaving them with memories that will last a lifetime. We also had the privilege of teaming up with SCAD for an exclusive t-shirt design that was featured as official merchandise at the tournament. This collaboration not only showcased the incredible talent within our community, but also helped raise awareness for AYTEF's mission. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to tournament director, Peter Lebedevs, for his unwavering efforts in exposing AYTEF to the vibrant Atlanta tennis community. We are immensely grateful for the support and opportunities that continue to pour in, enabling us to make a positive impact in the lives of our young athletes.
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Calling All High School Tennis Players - Come Train with AYTEF
Elevate your game with our weekly tennis clinics tailored just for high schoolers! Every Thursday, from 6-7:30 p.m., youth in grades 9-12 are invited to dive into the world of tennis. No equipment or previous experience needed – just bring your enthusiasm and a friend or two. It's a fantastic opportunity to make new connections and develop your skills. Registration is open for our October sessions, so secure your spot now.
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AYTEF's Heartfelt Thanks to Jersey Mike's and the USTA Foundation
AYTEF extends its deepest gratitude to Jersey Mike's for providing sandwiches for our GameSetYouth and their families. This act of kindness was made possible through the unwavering support of the USTA Foundation, which annually funds NJTL organizations like ours. Special thanks to Jersey Mike's owner, Michael Stepter, who supported AYTEF through sandwiches from his Powder Springs store location.
In a spectacular show of generosity, Jersey Mike's recently held a weekend fundraiser on September 10th and 11th, where they pledged to donate 20% of sales from over 2,200 locations nationwide to the USTA Foundation. These funds will be directed towards the 'Rally for the Future' campaign, a crucial initiative that offers free or low-cost tennis and education programs to thousands of under-resourced youth in nearly 300 communities. We're immensely grateful to all who contributed to this impactful event, both on and off the court.
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AYTEF's Inaugural Parent Night: Immersing Parents in the AYTEF Experience
Our first-ever AYTEF Parent Night was a resounding success! We invited parents to step into their children's shoes and experience firsthand the enriching life-skills and academic instruction provided weekly to GameSetMatch youth through our Learning Lab. Though rain dampened our plans for tennis drills, the evening was still a hit. Every parent received an exclusive AYTEF car sticker and had the opportunity to support our program by purchasing an AYTEF parent t-shirt. Fostering a sense of community at Fair Oaks, we made sure everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner, and parents, staff, and youth had the opportunity to come together, get acquainted, and truly understand the daily life of our youth participants.
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AYTEF's Career Exploration Project Prepares for Success On and Off the Court | Our AYTEF student-athletes dedicated two months to a rewarding Career Exploration Project, part of our Learning Hub life-skills curriculum. They learned about various careers, met professionals, and conducted in-depth research. With newfound knowledge, they created impressive posters showcasing their hard work in June and July. This project not only broadened their horizons but also helped them reflect on their future paths, preparing them both on and off the court. We're incredibly proud of their efforts. Check out their amazing projects! | |
Introducing our New AYTEF STEM Learning Labs Interns | |
We are thrilled to welcome Jayden Suttles, currently pursuing a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering at Kennesaw State University, and Varun Krishnan Raghuraman, who is working towards a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, as AYTEF's new STEM Learning Labs interns. Jayden, a mechanical engineering enthusiast, boasts hands-on experience in projects like designing functional wind turbines and excels in SolidWorks modeling and 3D printing. Varun, with a rich background including groundbreaking research and diverse internships, including Schneider Electric and Junk Food Custom Arcades, is poised to make significant contributions to our STEM program.
Working closely with Ms. Samantha, our AYTEF STEM Learning Labs Director, Jayden and Varun will assist in enhancing our virtual curriculum while also providing invaluable in-person instruction to our GameSetMatch youth at the Learning Hub in Fair Oaks. Their combined expertise will undoubtedly empower our young learners to excel in the world of STEM.
As we dive into the Fall semester, our AYTEF STEM students are in for an exciting curriculum. Module 1 will focus on engineering, featuring engaging lessons like Kodable and building a robot hand. In Module 2, students will explore mathematics through activities like Geometry and Origami. Lastly, Module 3 delves into biology, with lessons on lung and heart models. Get ready for an enriching semester of hands-on learning and discovery!
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Celebrating AYTEF Coaches' Achievements in Professional Development | |
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A huge round of applause to our very own Coaches Keenan and Alex for successfully completing the PTR Level 1 Certification training. This in-person Coaching Fundamentals Workshop provided them with valuable insights into coaching principles and equipped them with the skills to teach players ranging from beginners to low-intermediate, regardless of age.
By achieving this milestone, Coaches Keenan and Alex are on their way to becoming certified Level 1 Coaches, a testament to their dedication and expertise in guiding aspiring tennis enthusiasts. We're incredibly proud of their hard work and commitment to advancing their coaching capabilities.
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AYTEF Proudly Receives $15,000 Award from Chase Return the Serve Campaign | |
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We are delighted to announce that AYTEF has been honored with a $15,000 grant from the Chase Return the Serve campaign. This collaboration marks the tenth year of Chase's partnership with the USTA Foundation, where they join forces to support National Junior Tennis & Learning programs across several cities in the United States. In 2023, Chase's generous grant of $325,000 to the USTA Foundation will positively impact over 54,000 children through ongoing programs that integrate tennis and education, contributing to the advancement of communities nationwide.
AYTEF's Chase Return the Serve community outreach event left a lasting impact on over 100 youth. The event featured introductory tennis activities, financial literacy sessions, lunch provided by Jersey Mike's, and opportunities to win exciting prizes. We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured the success of this event for the community. Special thanks also go to Revved Up Kids, who conducted an on-court session teaching our kids vital self-defense and stranger awareness skills. Together, we're fostering positive change and empowerment within our community.
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Community Thrives at AYTEF's August Block Party | |
AYTEF's August Block Party was a huge success, drawing in over 70 enthusiastic kids along with their families. The event was made even more special with the support of the Kennesaw State University men's and women's tennis teams, who served as dedicated on-court volunteers. This monthly gathering, a favorite among community members, offered an array of free, family-friendly activities including pizza, games, prizes, and of course, tennis. Beyond the festivities, the Block Party plays a crucial role as the entry point to AYTEF programming, ensuring accessibility by providing complimentary equipment and instruction, and fostering strong community connections.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our generous sponsors: USTA Atlanta, USTA Southern, USTA Foundation, USTA Georgia, PGA Tour Superstore, Papa John's on Whitlock Avenue, and Universal Tennis Academy. Your support makes events like these possible!
Join us for our September Block Party on Friday, September 29 at 6 p.m. at Fair Oaks Tennis Center. It promises to be another memorable evening of fun and community. See you there!
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GameSetMatch Milestone and Upcoming Team Challenge | |
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We're on a winning streak! For the first time since our launch at Fair Oaks Tennis Center in December 2020, AYTEF proudly presents a competitive team of 12 GameSetMatch youth athletes, poised to conquer the USTA Atlanta Cobb League. This remarkable achievement underscores the incredible progress our players have achieved through the AYTEF Player Pathway. The league kicked off on September 9th and promises matches until the grand finale on October 28th. Brace yourselves for an exciting season of growth and competition!
Building on our momentum, AYTEF will be hosting a Team Challenge event at Fair Oaks Tennis Center on October 20, 2023. Designed for children aged 8-14, this low-pressure team environment offers a unique opportunity for skill enhancement. Emphasizing free play, cooperation, and team competition, participants are expected to have a basic serve and maintain a modified rally. Join us for a fun-filled day of skill development and camaraderie on the court!
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AYTEF's Heartfelt Appreciation to Our Amazing Golf Tournament Sponsors
We are thrilled to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible sponsors who are making the 5th Annual AYTEF Regions Bank Golf Tournament at Dunwoody Country Club possible. Your unwavering support for our largest annual fundraising event is instrumental in driving our programming at the Fair Oaks Tennis Center.
With just one foursome spot left, the tournament is filling up fast! If you'd like to be a part of this year's exciting event and make a difference in our community, please visit AYTEF.ORG/GOLF for more details.
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USTA Atlanta Combo Dubs Tournament Leaves Lasting Impact on AYTEF Youth
What an incredible turnout at the USTA Atlanta Men's and Women's Combo Doubles Tournament on August 12! With a record-breaking 300+ participants spread across three fantastic locations - Harrison Park, Fowler Park, and Fair Oaks - this tournament was undoubtedly one for the books. Even more heartwarming was the generosity of our participants, as registration proceeds amounted to a generous $1000 donation towards supporting the AYTEF youth. Your contributions make a world of difference, and to express their gratitude, our AYTEF youth have put together a special video message just for you. Click below to hear their heartfelt thanks and learn firsthand how your support is shaping the future of our program.
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Racquet Drive: Support AYTEF's Youth Programs | |
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Dan Kester, owner of I PLAY TENNIS, is spearheading a racquet drive to bolster AYTEF's tennis and education initiatives for under-resourced youth. He restrings, regrips, and resells the racquets, with 100% of the profits going straight to benefit AYTEF! Here's how you can help:
Spread the Word: Reach out to family, friends, teammates, and local tennis clubs to collect used racquets.
Drop-off Locations:
- Fair Oaks Tennis Center (1460 W Booth Rd Ext SW, Marietta, GA 30008)
- USTA Atlanta office (6075 The Corners Parkway, Suite 100, Peachtree Corners, 30092)
- I Play Tennis (1544 Piedmont Ave NE #311, Atlanta, GA 30324)
- James Creek Tennis Center (3525 Melody Mizer Ln, Cumming, GA 30041)
- Horseshoe Bend Athletic Center (2100 Steeplechase Lane, Roswell, Georgia)
- Agnes Scott Tennis Courts (141 E. College Ave. Decatur, Georgia 30030)
- Legacy Park Tennis Center (4201 Legacy Park Cir, Kennesaw, GA 30144)
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The mission of the Atlanta Youth Tennis & Education Foundation is to ENRICH the lives of under-resourced youth through tennis and education. We SERVE through sport so that our youth participants can ACHIEVE without limit on the court, in the classroom, and in life.
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