who we are
Tennis + academics + character development
Grassroots Tennis & Education ("Grassroots") is a youth development 501c3 nonprofit organization that combines high-quality tennis instruction with academic support, character development and a caring community that emphasizes relationships above all.
In November 2019, two organizations - Norwalk Grassroots Tennis & Education (founded in 1995) and Stamford Youth Tennis Academy (founded in 2014) - joined together in order to be bolder, stronger and more sustainable in achieving our collective mission. We are united in the belief that our kids and our communities deserve the absolute best - which we can better deliver together.
For more information about the merger, read the press release and FAQs.
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Grassroots serves children and youth directly in the communities where they live - at Cummings Park and the Boys & Girls Club in Stamford, and at our youth center and the new William Rippe Tennis Center located next to the Roodner Court public housing complex in South Norwalk.
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We are relationship-focused, community-oriented, inclusive and fun!
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Who we serve
250
Kids
ages 5-18
>90% Low income
Grassroots Kids achieve!
100%
of Grassroots students rise to the next grade level
100%
of Grassroots seniors graduate from high school
ALL
Norwalk high school tennis teams captained by Grassroots students
WON
The Grassroots U14 team won the state championship and placed 2nd in sectionals in summer 2018
WON
The Grassroots U8 and U12 tennis teams won the 2017 USTA summer state championship
named
USTA 4-Star chapter (the highest rating) four consecutive years
provided
over $122K in college scholarships and over $100K in Junior Coach wages