More Than a Match: AYTEF’s Holistic Approach to Support Atlanta’s Youth and Families

In the world of youth sports, it is easy to focus solely on the scoreboard. But for the Atlanta Youth Tennis & Education Foundation (AYTEF), the true “win” happens when a child feels safe enough to be vulnerable. Originally founded in 2003 and now flourishing in the Fair Oaks community, AYTEF uses tennis as a vehicle to deliver a “whole-child” approach to development. We sat down with AYTEF’s Program Director, Vi Tran Huynh, to discuss their tiered “Game, Set, Match” model, the power of peer and family support, and how a sport traditionally seen as exclusive is becoming a powerful tool for community mental health.

Building a Pathway: The “Game, Set, Match” Model

AYTEF doesn’t just teach tennis; they use a structured “player pathway” to build life skills at every age:

Game (Beginner): Focuses on introducing the sport and basic engagement.

Set (Intermediate): This is where the Learning Hub begins, teaching cooperation, communication, and emotional regulation.

Match (Advanced): Preparing students for tournament play and matchplay experience three times a week.

“We are intentional about providing access and ensuring there are no barriers… it’s not just about engaging with a new sport but providing community strength.”

Meeting the Community Where They Are

A core pillar of AYTEF’s success is their commitment to accessibility. They recognize that for many underserved families, the biggest barrier to participation is transportation.

To solve this, AYTEF has shifted its strategy to “meet them where they are”:

• Neighborhood Pop-Ups: They partner with local neighborhoods to host pop-up tennis events directly within the community.
• School Partnerships: As part of their recruitment and retention initiative, they partner with elementary schools to go where the students already are.
• On-Site Workshops: Rather than requiring travel, they conduct smaller workshops and introduce the sport right inside the schools.

Tennis as a Tool for Mental Wellness

While tennis is physical, AYTEF utilizes trauma-informed practices and sports-based youth development principles to support mental health.

• Safe Spaces: The foundation cultivates an environment where kids feel safe because they know the staff and the routine.
• Decompression Sessions: In the “Set” program, staff hold sessions to allow kids space to share what is going on in their lives.
• Modeling Support: Staff are trained to model positive program facilitation for parents, helping to offload the stress many families face. One example is of a single mother with a child on the spectrum who is in the program. Providing the program to the child has helped teach him many soft skills and gives him peer support. They came alongside the mother to reduce some of her stress, thus supporting the whole family unit.

The Ripple Effect: Supporting the Whole Family

AYTEF recognizes that a child’s well-being is tied to their family and home environment.

• Meeting Needs: Through “Block Parties,” AYTEF partners with groups like Papa Johns to provide dinner and connects families with outside community resources they might need such as therapy services.
• Adult Engagement: A new initiative called Adult Red Ball encourages parents to learn the sport alongside their children, fostering deeper family bonds.
• Inclusion: Their programs provide vital peer support and “soft skills” for children with unique needs, such as students on the spectrum.

“When we say we are transforming communities, we actually are working with the whole family. It may start with the child, but it becomes a whole family approach.”

Through intentional systems and processes, they are actually supporting the whole child-whether they’re in the program or not.

Success Beyond the Scoreboard

Success at AYTEF is measured by character and community service. Students participate in projects like Books for Africa and collecting household items for those in need.

The ultimate goal is for students to “graduate” and return as mentors. One powerful example is a 9th grader who struggled initially, took a break, and eventually returned as a volunteer—ultimately winning Volunteer of the Year.

Ultimate Vision: When the kids start young, they see the benefit and ultimately come back as an AYTEF coach, helping to shape the lives of younger generations.

How to Support AYTEF

AYTEF is looking to grow its visibility and connect with more families in the Cobb County community.

• Follow Along: Stay updated via their Instagram, Facebook, and quarterly newsletters.
• Partner Up: They love to be present at local health fairs and community events to reach those they can serve.