Tennis Programs for Children
How we connect With Underserved Youth in
Montgomery County in 2025:
12 After-School Programs in public middle schools
ACES-MCTEF Partnership at the Aspen Hill Club
Big Brothers/Big Sisters Alliance
Spring After School Programs 2025 are underway!!
Spring 2025 is off to an exciting start! We're running programs at 12 Montgomery County middle schools with strong enrollment and enthusiastic young players. Despite some windy days, the beautiful weather has fueled the excitement for tennis!.
Hello,
I'm DeAtley Barish, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Tennis and Education Foundation (MCTEF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2006.
It has been both a rewarding and challenging journey stepping into this role—one fueled by my passion for tennis and a deep commitment to helping underserved youth in Montgomery County. Our mission is to introduce children to the lifelong benefits of tennis while empowering them through mentorship, fitness, and education.
In early 2022, following the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was entrusted with revitalizing MCTEF’s After School Tennis and Mentoring Program. The need was urgent. Many students—especially those in underserved communities—faced rising levels of anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Our program helps address these issues head-on through the powerful combination of exercise, connection, and encouragement.
In 2025, MCTEF will offer free tennis instruction at 12 Montgomery County middle schools, reaching more than 425 students. Each site pairs experienced instructors and mentors who teach both tennis fundamentals and essential life skills. At the end of each semester, participants receive a new racket and tennis balls, ensuring they can continue playing year-round.
We're proud to collaborate with Fred’s Aces, another local nonprofit, to provide scholarships for our students to attend a week-long summer tennis clinic at the Aspen Hill Tennis Club in Silver Spring, Maryland. We're also partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters to offer free tennis lessons for both volunteers and their Littles, further extending our reach into the community.
As you can imagine, this work requires significant funding. Our 2025 spring session alone costs approximately $30,000. We anticipate a still larger enrollment in our programs for our fall after school programs. MCTEF operates entirely on community support.
Please consider making a donation today.
Your contribution directly supports free programming for local youth, helping them build confidence, character, and a healthy lifestyle through tennis.
1. A monthly contribution through the MCTEF Website
- $50 month
- $100 month
2. A one-time contribution of:
- $100
- $250
- $500
- Other
Thank you for being part of our mission
Sincerely,
DeAtley Barish
Executive Director MCTEF
The Fred Sommer ACES Tennis Scholarship, Inc.
The Fred Sommer's ACES program is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, established in June 2014. The organization provides year-round needs-based tennis scholarships for children so that they may benefit from the social, emotional, and physical growth that accompanies sports participation.
Fred’s ACES Testimonials:
“Tennis is a big part of Andrew’s well-being. Tennis is an activity that really adds some happiness to his life. We are very pleased with the coaches as well. One of them noticed that Andrew needed a new racket, and another one offered to choose it for Andrew in the store. Alex is prompt and sharp in solving problems and sending information. What a team! Andrew feels loved and supported. This is a treasure beyond the money...
Thank you from all my heart.”
Mother of Andrew C., ACES Scholarship Recipient
“…What I love about tennis is the strategy that it takes and the need to analyze your opponent. Figuring things out on the fly is key in tennis.” “Fred’s ACES was a dream come true for me, it fundamentally changed my life” …At Aspen Hill and through Fred’s Aces, I learned that there are good people out there that want to help. I am forever inspired.”
Eric H., ACES Scholarship Recipient
Free Tennis Lessons for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the National Capital Region
Each summer, MCTEF proudly funds weekend tennis clinics and play days for Big Brothers/Big Sisters participants in Montgomery County. These programs are offered completely free of charge to both mentors and mentees, providing a fun and active way to build stronger bonds through sport.
Few things capture the impact of this initiative better than the words of a participating Big Brother:
“I just wanted to let you know that the collaboration with MCTEF was excellent. [Sam] discovered his love for tennis and now wants to spend more time on athletics. I’ve rarely seen him this excited about a Big Brothers/Big Sisters event. We’re planning to continue playing tennis together as part of our weekly meetings.”
The Aspen Hill Club to date has facilitated over 100 ACES scholarships to Maryland area students to participate in Aspen Hill Club’s Junior Tennis Program. The Aspen Hill Club is a private, multi-sport facility, encompassing adult and junior tennis programs, fitness, aquatics, basketball, racquetball, group exercise, personal training, massage, a Café, and an outstanding child-minding program. The Club is located at 14501 Homecrest Road, Silver Spring, MD 20906. More information is available by phone at 301-598-5200 or on the Club’s website: www.aspenhillclub.com.
Media Waiver Form:
Required Camp Registration Forms:
Special Notes:
- If the camper has an allergy and requires an EpiPen or needs an inhaler, please complete the Medical Admin form.
- Lunch forms are optional – students can use a coupon code that will be provided at registration.