Lobs & Lessons: Serving Youth and Families in Richmond

Lobs & Lessons reaches out to underserved elementary and middle school youth through afterschool and summer programming that introduces youth to the merits of higher education, teaches life skills, and emphasizes a healthy lifestyle through the sport of tennis. The program serves over 300 youth per year and positively impacts families in the greater Richmond area. Tennis is the ‘hook’ that gets kids in the door, but the focus of the program is teaching life skills and helping youth academically.

Lobs & Lessons hosts two annual events that assist in raising awareness and vital funds for the program. The Young Aces Open is held each April, and has become a national model through the United States Tennis Association (USTA). The event brings together 150 4th and 5th graders from 28 Richmond Public elementary schools for a day of tennis, learning, and fun in a team centered event. The event was also awarded the USTA/MAS Program of the Year in 2010.

With the success of the Young Aces Open, Lobs & Lessons wanted to get parents involved and playing a healthy lifestyle sport with their kids. The program hosted its first “Lobs & Lessons Family Open” on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011. The inaugural tournament attracted 68 players, more than 50 volunteers and raised vital funds to support Lobs & Lessons programming.

The tournament reflects the ongoing partnership between the Lobs & Lessons program and the Richmond Tennis Association to develop QuickStart Tennis (QST) in the greater Richmond area. QST is a teaching format that allows more children the opportunity to experience the game, as the courts and equipment are smaller so they can feel confident.

The tournament promoted “QuickStart Tennis for everyone,” giving families the opportunity to play side by side and to encourage the reluctant player, whether it was an adult or child. The tournament was designed to promote healthy lifestyles and sportsmanship and to demonstrate that tennis is fun at any age, while providing a low-cost tournament opportunity for the greater Richmond area.

"Lobs and Lessons build hope, confidence, and character for young people,” said Magnus H. Johnsson, a volunteer. “The Family Open brought together adults and children for a wonderful day of tennis and learning. I left exhausted, satisfied and touched at the same time seeing the impact the Family Open had on the children and families present.”

Lobs & Lessons continues to expand programming for youth and event offerings for families by creating affordable tennis events throughout the community. With the support of others, Lobs & Lessons can continue to positively impact the greater Richmond area. For more information on the program or do donate, visit www.vcuyouthcenter.org.

CVC Charity code: 3497

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