TAGS is making a significant impact in the local community by volunteering to organize and run tennis clinics for youth through receiving a strategic partnership with the USTA (United States Tennis Association). This collaboration offers young athletes the opportunity to compete in a supportive, well-structured environment while promoting the sport of tennis at the grassroots level. Our clinics aim to develop young talent, foster sportsmanship, and build confidence, all while giving back to the community and ensuring the next generation of local tennis players loves tennis as much as we do! 

TAGS is making a significant impact in the local community by organizing tennis clinics for refugee youth through a partnership with Thrive International. These clinics provide a welcoming space for young refugees to learn the fundamentals of tennis while also fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion. Through the program, TAGS not only helps develop athletic skills but also empowers these youth by promoting teamwork, discipline, and resilience. The collaboration between TAGS and Thrive International is a powerful example of how sports can bridge cultural gaps, build confidence, and offer new opportunities for refugee youth as they navigate their new lives in Spokane. 

In addition to working with organizations such as Thrive International, we also run high school level clinics. Participants do not have to be one of the top players on their high school team to enjoy tennis. The benefits of playing tennis include physical exercise, mental acuity, and healthy social interaction.  As a high school aged-child moves into adulthood, TAGS is reinforcing young players to continue playing tennis through community based programs such as TAGS, and through the many other opportunities offered through the USTA nationwide.  

TAGS is also involved with the Outreach 30/5 program. This program operates camps for youth players and is led by Jim Cramer. More information is HERE.

On June 7, 2025 TAGS held its annual youth tennis clinic with the Thrive International members. In partnership with Thrive International, TAGS hosted a tennis clinic tailored specifically for recently resettled adolescents and their families. At last year’s event, we welcomed 30 refugee youth ages 12–18, as well as several of their parents. Despite the language barriers, tennis proved to be a universal language of connection. Many participants had never held a racket before, but they embraced the experience with enthusiasm and joy. This clinic is often the first organized sport they encounter in the U.S., and it offers more than just physical activity—it provides belonging, confidence, and a positive introduction to their new community. As part of our next step, we hope to supply each participant with a free, gently used racket, reinforcing the message that tennis is a sport they can continue playing beyond the clinic. Given the steady stream of inquiries we receive from Thrive youth asking when the next clinic will be held, it’s clear this program is a meaningful and highly anticipated event for them.