One of the leading activation models to develop and bring new tennis players into the sport, TGA Premier Youth Tennis (TGA), in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), continues its nationwide growth with the establishment of its second franchise in Seattle, WA.
Chandler Lewis, a recent graduate of the University of Washington and former head varsity tennis coach at Ballard High School, has partnered with current TGA of North Seattle director Brad Kirkpatrick to acquire the geographic rights to the east side of the Greater Seattle area. Kirkpatrick brought the first TGA golf and tennis chapter to Seattle in 2013. The duo plans to expand the school and community based tennis programs in the cities of Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Mercer Island and Sammamish.
“Having a team like Chandler and Brad working together to expand the TGA tennis programs in Seattle is very exciting,” Joshua Jacobs, TGA’s founder and CEO said. “Together they bring a passion and coaching experience that will not only increase tennis participation but also enrich the lives of youth in the community.”
Lewis had planned to attend law school next fall, but decided to put that on hold and pursue his passion of working with and coaching youth tennis. While applying for coaching jobs in the Seattle area he discovered TGA. He became a coach while he was still in college and quickly discovered the career opportunity that TGA presented.
“Despite my plan to attend law school next fall, I felt that there was no better time to match my passion with a wonderful career opportunity,” he said. “It is amazing at my age to be able to combine my passion for youth and tennis with business ownership. TGA is such a wonderful organization that makes tennis available and gives kids the opportunity to participate in the lifelong sport.”
TGA’s innovative school-based activation model and multi-level tennis enrichment curriculum was developed in partnership with the USTA just over three years ago. With tennis being one of the most played adult sports and least played by youth, TGA’s model is helping to bring new players into the sport as the baby boomer generation ages.
TGA, through its physical fitness and health components including the USTA’s “Lets Move” campaign, is helping fight childhood obesity. The innovative and unique program incorporates daily physical activity that helps to burn calories, improve motor skills, improve the immune system and create greater hand-eye coordination all while promoting life skills and sportsmanship. Parents see a myriad of benefits through having their children participate.
About TGA Premier Youth Tennis
TGA Premier Youth Tennis (TGA) is the leading school-based youth development model, and is in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to create new players and increase participation in the sport of tennis. Its innovative franchise business model, the only one of its kind in the tennis industry, has empowered entrepreneurs and tennis professionals nationwide at the grass roots level to activate thousands of youth (ages 3-13) in just over three years.
TGA introduces the sport in schools and community centers and supports the USTA’s “10-and-Under Tennis” initiative while transitioning the participants to USTA programs, tennis facilities and USPTA Professionals nationwide. The program has already activated over 17,000 youth tennis players and families across the country.
TGA is a national partner with the United States Tennis Association, Wilson Tennis, The President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness and the National Council of Youth Sports. TGA is also a national supporter of the Afterschool Alliance and Lights on Afterschool.