Liberia: PTR supports Youth For Tennis programs in Liberia
—137 Kids Targeted, Tennis Court Construction Ongoing
In an effort to make tennis available for everyone around the world, the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) has finally signed up (commissioned) Liberia and has begun sponsoring a tennis training program.
The PTR, a US-based tennis foundation, is partnering with the Youth for Tennis in Liberia (YFTL) to change young lives through tennis and build their characters through tennis to become professional tennis players.
A four-month tennis recruitment and training program, with sponsorship from PTR, is ongoing.
The tennis training program began on December 27, 2023, and will end on April 27, 2024.
The training is led by the founder and head coach of Youth For Tennis Liberia (YFTL), Coach Alfred Kandakai.
In an exclusive interview on Saturday, Coach Alfred Kandakai said "137 kids were recruited and are undergoing basic training in tennis."
He said the 137 PTR recruits put the total number of kids of YFTL to 513.
The YFTL was founded in 2017 and has since made tremendous impacts by introducing hundreds of Liberian children to the game of tennis.
Led by head coach and founder Alfred Kandakai, an internationally certified instructor, YFTL has also armed these youth with skills to shield them from societal challenges that plague Liberia.
" Please join us by supporting our efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others," Coach Kandakai said.
Meanwhile, Coach Kanadakai said with sponsorship from PTR, the construction of a standard tennis court is ongoing at the Jimmy Jolocon High School in Gardnersville, Japanese Freeway, outskirts of Monrovia.
"The Jimmy Jolocon High School will be the first school in Liberia to establish a partnership with Youth For Tennis In Liberia to introduce tennis as a PE in its curriculum," Coach Kandakai said.
Further, over the weekend,13 kids received tennis shoes and other tennis tools.
Among them were Benjamin Kandakai, Favor Gbana, Ino Kelleh, Jayjay Kelleh
Makinda Kelleh, Urius Yriah, Anthony Gaye Favor Yriah, Cecelia Quiah, Princess Taplah, and Mati, among other beneficiaries.