Tennis Outreach Programs Programs
TOPs has operated successful programs in King County and the greater eastside and currently serves over 2000 kids per year. To-date we have met our goal of providing access and programming to all kids we serve and have not turned away any child due to the financial burden of our Eastside Tennis Center or community based programs. Approximately 40% of our kids are on full or partial scholarships which include programming and equipment which is funded by the generosity of private donors.
We partner and receive referrals from other agencies such as Hopelink (all ages), surrounding school districts (elementary, middle & high school), Boys and Girls Clubs (youth). Wake Up to Tennis is an example of a long standing program that has been offered as a before school tennis program onsite in school gyms. Additionally, TOPs has provided adult, senior and special needs programming.
In 2011, TOPs opened up the Eastside Tennis Center (ETC) in Kirkland. This facility allows us to provide year round public indoor programming. Our indoor facility has dedicated tutoring space and we are currently looking to build out our capacity. It is one of the only public AND non-profit tennis facilities of its kind in the US. TOPs President, Marcel Whitney, created the “Teenie Tennis” methodology and was recently recognized in the USTA International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
”Tennis With a Mission” is our mantra and testimonies speak to the positive impact our programs.
“Our youth character development focus has fostered a culture of giving back. A recent example was when two sibling students in our program donated their birthday money and earmarked savings for bikes to our scholarship fund for other youth to have the opportunity to participate in our programs. This was heartwarming and confirms we’re on the right track.” – TOPs Board Member
"Brendan enjoys this program so much. This is his second season of Wake Up To Tennis. He is actually excited to get up early and go to tennis. This program improves his hand/eye coordination and balance. It pleases me to see him grow in his social skills, playing with others. In addition, the diversity in the program allows Brendan to make new friends with children from other cultures and backgrounds. I view the Wake Up To Tennis as an opportunity for my son to expand his learning environment." - Mr. Tom H.
TOPs and the Eastside Tennis Center, a TOPS facility is now the largest provider for both jr team tennis, jr tournaments and new USTA youth memberships in our region. One of our students in the high performance program offered at ETC qualified for U.S. Open Junior Championships.
We hope to continue our ability to provide scholarships and build upon our enrichment programs.