No Fee Tennis Programs for Underserved Youth
- 14 After-School Programs in public middle schools
- Starting Jan 2026-Free Winter Clinics for Special Olympic Athletes
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters Alliance
- ACES-MCTEF Partnership at the Aspen Hill Club
Winter MCTEF/Special Olympic Tennis Programs are underway as we prepare for Spring 2026
Fall 2025 was an exciting season for MCTEF, with after-school tennis clinics offered at 14 underserved middle schools across Montgomery County. More than 250 middle school students participated in our no-fee after-school programs, gaining access to high-quality instruction in a safe, supportive environment.
Beginning in Spring 2026, MCTEF will expand its reach to serve underserved elementary school students through a partnership with Montgomery County’s Excel Beyond the Bell after-school program. This no-fee initiative will provide tennis instruction, academic tutoring, and mentoring for third, fourth, and fifth grade students.
In January 2026, MCTEF proudly partnered with Special Olympics Maryland and Lakewood Country Club to offer free indoor tennis clinics for Special Olympics athletes, further extending our commitment to inclusive programming.
During the summer of 2025, MCTEF also partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters to provide no-cost tennis instruction for their participants. In addition, our partnership with Fred Aces allowed us to award full scholarships for a week-long tennis camp at the Aspen Hill Sports Facility.
As public funding for underserved youth continues to decline, MCTEF’s mission is more important than ever. We provide free, healthy, and engaging after-school opportunities that do not require parental transportation, removing barriers and ensuring that all children have the chance to participate, grow, and thrive.
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.
In 2025, MCTEF offers free tennis instruction at 14 Montgomery County middle schools, reaching more than 425 students each spring and fall seven week session. 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.
In Winter 2026 we are teaming with Special Olympics Maryland and Lakewood Country Country to provide new opportunities for the Special Olympics athletes.
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.
Sincerely,
DeAtley Barish
Executive Director MCTEF
MCTEF, Special Olympics Maryland & Lakewood Country Club Partner to Bring Indoor Tennis to Local Athletes
The Montgomery County Tennis & Education Foundation (MCTEF) is partnering with Special Olympics Maryland and Lakewood Country Club to provide free weekly indoor tennis sessions for Special Olympic athletes in Montgomery County.
The program, launched in January going through February 2026, takes place on the indoor courts at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville. MCTEF will fund certified tennis instructors for each session, while Lakewood Country Club is generously donating court time and facilities.
“This is a great example of three community organizations coming together to benefit an underserved population,” said DeAtley Barish, Executive Director of MCTEF.
Jeff Abel, Vice President of Programs for Special Olympics Maryland, added:
“As Special Olympics Maryland works to grow inclusive sports opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state, it’s hard to find a better option than tennis — a sport for a lifetime. We are thrilled to partner with MCTEF to offer these no-cost clinics for our athletes and look forward to expanding this relationship in the years ahead.”
This initiative reflects MCTEF’s ongoing mission to promote tennis as a vehicle for education, inclusion, and lifelong health in Montgomery County.
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.
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.