Saint Paul Urban Tennis

Serve Up a Brighter Future with Saint Paul Urban Tennis

At Saint Paul Urban Tennis (SPUT), we're not just teaching tennis—we're transforming lives. Your donation has the power to shape the future of over 2,000 youth in our community each year.

More Than a Game: Building Life Champions

The Saint Paul Urban Tennis (SPUT) program is about so much more than just tennis. We use tennis as an entry point  to engage youth and spark their interest, but our true focus is on helping them develop critical life skills, build strong relationships, and realize their full potential. These “life skills” developed through our program are the building blocks of Social, Emotional Learning (SEL) that are critical components of future success in life. 

Through our high-quality after-school and summer programming, SPUT participants learn invaluable lessons that go far beyond the tennis court. Our holistic approach ensus that young people not only improve their tennis skills, but also see tangible benefits in their academic performance, behavior, and future employment prospects.

What Do Participants Learn?

Better Grades: 48% of SPUT participants see improvements in their academic performance. Our programs complement classroom learning and help cultivate essential skills like focus, discipline, and time management.

Improved Behavior: 73% of SPUT participants exhibit fewer behavior problems and decreased likelihood of engaging in at-risk activities. Sports provide an outlet for energy and frustration, while our coaching teaches valuable conflict resolution and social skills.

College Readiness: 81% of SPUT participants apply to college. The positive relationship between sports participation and academic achievement is evident across socioeconomic levels. Our programming also includes college prep workshops and mentoring to set students up for success.

Developing Future Leaders Mentorship

The Warrior Leadership Academy provides a robust employment mentorship program that equips participants with essential skills for future high-paying jobs. 95% of coaches reported that this experience helped them grow as leaders and gain skills they'll carry into their futures. Over 80% noted significant improvements in problem-solving, teamwork, communication, role modeling, public speaking, and taking initiative. This impactful program prepares young people to tackle challenges, connect with others, and lead by example.

The SPUT S.P.I.R.I.T.

Every child in our program learns and embodies our core values:

Your Donation in Action

When you support SPUT, you're investing in:

Accessible Programs: Free or low-cost tennis lessons at 25+ sites across Saint Paul, focusing on underserved neighborhoods.

Youth Employment: Over 70 high school and college students gain valuable work experience as coaches and assistants.

Holistic Development: Our unique programs blend tennis with academics, science, and leadership training:

Why Your Support Matters

Your contribution ensures that:

No child is turned away due to financial constraints

More youth gain access to employment opportunities

We can continue offering scholarships and expanding our reach

Join Our Mission

Help us serve up love, passion, and opportunity. Your donation isn't just a gift—it's a game-changer for the youth of Saint Paul.

Together, we can create a community where every child has the chance to become a leader, both on and off the court.

Thank you for considering a contribution to Saint Paul Urban Tennis. Your generosity keeps our mission alive and thriving!