Since 1991, the Philpott Children’s Fund has helped introduce Toronto inner-city children to tennis. Qualified instructors have taught children the basics of the game, but equally important, they have helped them learn valuable lessons about inter-personal skills and discipline.

     The instructors really don’t expect to find the next Serena Williams or Andy Roddick. They’re more concerned with making sure all the youngsters enjoy themselves out on the court. The program also encourages young volunteers to help out the kids with a view to them eventually becoming full time instructors at the various sites.

     Children from as young as five up to fifteen years are taught by qualified instructors who work in conjunction with Toronto Parks and Recreation officials at the various locations. The participants are supplied with racquets, balls and T-shirts and take part in weekly competitions that compliment the daily instruction they receive.

    Thanks to the generosity of Wilson Sporting Goods Ltd, racquets are provided during lessons. A highlight of each summer is a day trip to the Rogers Cup at Tennis Canada’s new Rexall Centre, complete with transportation, meals, tickets, and a clinic with top professional players.

     Over the years the Philpott Inner City Children’s Tennis program has expanded from one to ten location including, stretching from the Jane-Finch Corridor, to downtown, to Scarborough.