Anderson Children's Foundation

Grassroots Junior Tennis

Grassroots Junior Tennis (2023-2024, 2022-2023)

Grassroots Junior Tennis, Inc (GRJT) was founded in 2004 and has instructed over 800 youth of all socioeconomic backgrounds. The program is approved as an after-school program by Palm Springs and Desert Sands Unified School Districts. The program provides a meaningful recreational outlet for any child who wishes to participate. Grassroots Junior Tennis offers stroke analysis, stroke production, drills, match play strategy and sports science. The lessons are 60 minutes in length, three days per week for four months, twice per year. There are approximately 30 youth in each session. GRJT relies on donations & sponsorships to support not only instruction but to supply all equipment (racquets, balls, and team t-shirts) needed by participants at no cost to them. Since 2012, Ruth Hardy Park, Palm Springs has been the home base for the program.

The target population consists of children, ages 8 through 16 attending public school in Palm Springs and Desert Sands Unified School Districts with an emphasis on low income, Title 1 students. The majority of students are Hispanic and live in the eastern cities of the Coachella Valley. The majority of students are eligible for free/reduced price meals in their school districts.

Founder & Executive Director Kay Butler, has drawn on her many years of competitive and professional experience to successfully coach tennis players of varying ages. Kay was a teaching pro at the Palm Springs Tennis Club, certified teaching professional by the United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR), and has received numerous awards and accolades. Ms. Butler has been teaching children's tennis for 53 years.

Contact: Kay Butler, Executive Director

Email: Kbutlertennis@aol.com

Phone (760) 567-4313