Our Mission

Established in 1962, the Youth Tennis Foundation of Florida Inc. is a nonprofit organization that offers support for the development of youth tennis in Florida. Our primary goal is to introduce children to the many benefits of tennis, and, among other things, we provide scholarships, grants and awards to deserving players, coaches and tennis facilities.

The YTF is a qualified 501 (c) (3) organization and all donations are tax deductible. We strive to find ways to better the game of tennis in the state and welcome your suggestions and your requests. We are particularly interested in novel programs, such as a rural initiative, to reach out and find those niches which are not currently being serviced by the Florida Tennis Association's various programs.

The YTF is an independent organization which presently consists of a Board of Directors with diversified and varied backgrounds who come from all over the State of Florida to represent each of the 8 USTA Florida Regions. We are actively looking to add creative, dynamic and energetic people to our group.

Contact us to learn more about the YTF and our goals to brighten futures.

Latest News

  Florida Tennis interviewed Pierce Kelley recently about the success of YTF in promoting youth tennis in Florida. Read the full article here

  At the 2024 Annual YTF Board Meeting, Pierce Kelley provided some entertainment! See the video here!

  Four players, two male and two female, were selected for the Jack Blair Awards and participated in the 36th Annual College Tennis Exposure Camp in Lakeland, FL, Dec. 7-8th at the Beerman Tennis Center. Find out who they are here!

  The Men's Bedford Cup was held at the UF Campus in Gainesville the weekend of Oct. 25-27. Check out the results here!

  The latest Kelley Award winner has been announced! Read more about the recipient here!

  Congratulations to Rita Dotson for her recent honor and award by USTA at the 2024 US Open. Read more about her award here!

The Duval Youth Tennis program has been another successful project the Youth Tennis Foundation has had the pleasure of supporting. Read more about all the fun they had this spring!

The Embry-Riddle Tennis Camp attendees appreciate the Youth Tennis Foundation's sponsorship of their summer tennis camp! Read more about all the fun they had here!

The Youth Tennis Foundation sponsored Lake City Columbia Community Tennis Association's 8th Annual Montgomery Summer Youth Tennis Camp held in June. Read more here!

Brant Bailey recently represented the United States in an international competition in Turkey where he won all four of his matches! He is a highly ranked player in the 75 and over category. Brant has been a great member of the YTF Board of Directors for over 20 years. Kudos to Brant--YTF is so very proud to have him!

Two major players in the Junior Elite program are moving up in the world ranks as they tour the world. Read more about Kaylan and Meecah Bigun here.

It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that YTF acknowledges the untimely passing of our dear colleague Jim Martz, editor of Florida Tennis. The Jan-Feb issue contained a special tribute in loving memory of Jim Martz, who mentored so many people in the Florida tennis community. Read more about Jim here.

The Duval Youth Tennis Program (previously called the Jacksonville Program), was back at the CT Brown Center in Jacksonville this past fall. See photos of the program here!