VIDEO: Little Hands, Racquets, Hot Dogs and Big Fun

This past Saturday, kids and their parents from the Marcy and Tompkins Housing Projects, along with community volunteers came together at the Marcy Playground for the Second Annual Kings County Tennis League Youth Jamboree.

The competition was an opportunity for the kids of the Marcy Tennis Club and Tompkins Tennis Club to use their newly learned tennis skills in a tournament format, while also learn the importance of focus, patience and fair play.

The event was led by the tennis clubs' creator Michael McCasland. The goal of the event was to bring members of the community out to encourage the youth, support tennis and enjoy a day out.  

“Our mission is to use tennis as an instrument for positive mentorship and community building," McCasland said. “We want it to be a celebration of the neighborhood and the kids of these neighborhoods.”

Volunteers barbequed hamburgers and hotdogs for the energetic participants, and at the end of the competition, the winners received trophies. However, judging from the looks of excitement and happiness on all of the children's faces, it was clear everyone walked away that day feeling like a winner.

To volunteer with the Marcy and Tompkins Tennis Clubs or to register your child in the program, contact mccaslan@gmail.com.