Mission & History

Mission Statement

Preparing youth for success through our inclusive community, using tennis, education and character programming.

History

In 1952, William J. Clothier, II founded the Philadelphia Tennis Patrons Association which was merged with the Philadelphia National Junior Tennis League 44 years later to become Philadelphia Youth Tennis. In 2003, Philadelphia Youth Tennis became Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education; a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Three years later, the Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education Center located in East Falls was constructed as a premiere facility dedicated to innovative youth tennis and education programming.  In 2012, the organization became Legacy Youth Tennis and Education. In 2015 the organization was recognized by the United States Tennis Association as its National Junior Tennis and Learning chapter of the year, distinguishing it from among more than 500 community based tennis organizations in the nation.

Today our free and low cost programs lead to better health and education outcomes for kids. Our participants transform into athletes, model students, and active leaders in their schools, communities, and society at large.

Legacy provides a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for more than 3500 kids a year. Through our programs, students can learn and practice achievement behaviors through our highly structured tennis, education, and character programs.  By applying themselves in our programs, Legacy kids demonstrate greater self-control, self-esteem, and self-awareness, preparing them for success.