Advantage Cleveland Serves & Protects

Here at USTA Midwest Tennis & Education foundation I’d like to highlight one of our own NJTL programs and their positive impact on their community. Advantage Cleveland Tennis and Education, Inc. (AdvantageCLE) is a wonderful organization with a heartfelt mission: to use the power of tennis and education to lift up the youth of urban Cleveland. More than just teaching backhands and serves, AdvantageCLE creates a safe space where kids can grow, learn, and dream big. The goal isn’t just about athletic skill; it’s about giving children the tools for a lifetime of success and building stronger, healthier futures.

The program offers fantastic opportunities year-round, including a free Summer Camp that blends tennis with vital subjects like literacy and STEM. There’s also the ACE After-School Program (Athletics, Creativity, and Enrichment) and the GRIT (Girls Rising in Tennis) Program, dedicated to building confidence and resilience in young women. By partnering with organizations like the USTA Foundation and local schools, AdvantageCLE has been able to reach over 4,000 students since 2010. They are truly dedicated to rebuilding the spirit of tennis in Cleveland while providing crucial support that helps every child thrive, on and off the court.

On September 27th, AdvantageCLE hosted their very first Serve & Protect community tennis event at the Thurgood Marshall Rec Center, in Cleveland Ohio. There players enjoyed community connection, tennis, and got to connect with local area police officers from Cleveland’s 3rd District Precinct where they got the opportunity to have a Q&A, share experiences, and build positive relationships with the ones that serve them right back. 

“A huge extra shout out goes to the police officers from Cleveland’s 3rd District Precinct who gave their time to join us and connect with our students, and to the incredible volunteers (including the Gilmour girls’ team, staff from Mary B. Martin, players from Hawkin, students from CWRU, and members of the Iota Phi Theta Fraternity) who made this event possible with their dedication and support. We are so grateful for your commitment to helping us strengthen our community through tennis. We look forward to more opportunities to bring people together on and off the court!” -Advantage Cleveland Tennis and Education, Inc. (AdvantageCLE)