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Founder of Asbury Park Tennis Initiative, Aaron Williams, joined youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County on January 19th to kick-start a weekly joint-initiative between the two organizations bringing the sport of tennis back to Asbury Park. The partnership is an early initiative of the newly-formed 501c3 non-profit, Asbury Park Tennis Initiative, to offer children in the City of Asbury Park the opportunity to play tennis in hopes of boosting educational and leadership success.

Asbury Park is currently the only shore community without tennis courts, leaving many youth from the Asbury Park School District left without opportunity to learn about the sport. Asbury Park Tennis Initiative’s goal is to raise funds to build new tennis courts so that the youth of Asbury Park have the same opportunities as youth in neighboring communities. Starting indoor activities to spark interest in the sport is the first step and the interest is already there, according to a news release from the new organization.

“It was clear from the moment I stepped into the clubhouse that the youth of Asbury Park are excited to play tennis and benefit from the leadership and educational skills that come from learning the sport. I am eternally grateful for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County for helping us spark interest in the young people of our city,” says Aaron Williams, Founder of the Asbury Park Tennis Initiative.

“We need to rally as a community behind our youth, and ensure they have every opportunity that any other young person has in a neighboring district. I grew up in a community without tennis courts and as a young person of color I didn’t really see people like myself playing the sport until the Williams sisters came along. They inspired me to start hitting with my brother on a brick wall behind my mother’s home, leading me to become the captain of my college tennis team, and then using those leadership skills when I became a U.S. Marine. The youth in our city deserve the opportunity to be inspired by tennis, too.”

“We are thrilled about this new partnership with Asbury Park Tennis Initiative. For most of our kids, tennis hasn’t been a sport ever made available to them,” says Douglas Eagles, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County. “For our young people, taking a risk and trying something brand new can be intimidating. The patience, expertise, and passion that Mr. Williams is bringing to these lessons is making a big impact on our Club members, allowing them to safely discover their interests and talents. As youth development professionals, that’s exactly what we want for our kids.”

The introductory program is set to take place weekly at the Boys and Girls Clubhouse in Asbury Park. 

About Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County:
Since 1938, Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County has been empowering young people—especially those who need us most—to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. Through education, technology skill–building, nutritional and athletic programs, and the arts, the Club provides vital services to over 1100 Monmouth County children and their families every year. Learn more at www.bgcmonmouth.org

About Asbury Park Tennis Initiative: 
Asbury Park Tennis Initiative (501c3) is going to prepare Youth of Asbury Park for educational success and community leadership through tennis. We believe providing tennis, academics and life skills to under-resourced youth levels the playing field and helps our students succeed in life. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of kids living in our community. Asbury Park Tennis Initiative provides tennis, educational and life skills programs to support youth and inspire them to reach their greatest potential. Learn more at www.APtennis.org.

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