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Education, nutrition, and tennis.

The vision and the plan.

Let! First Serve!

Giving kids a second chance at a first chance.

After a lengthy planning phase, we have finally entered the fundraising and recruitment stage of our program. We hope this initiative will not only become a part of our business but rather the core of it.

Over time, we have seen numerous tennis programs start and gain traction, only to fade away within 18 months. Therefore, it is clear that a completely new approach is needed to address this issue. A fresh philosophy must be implemented in grassroots sports development, beginning with tennis.

This philosophy is inspired by the saying, “Give a man a fish, and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he will eat for a lifetime.” By focusing on sustainable development, we aim to create lasting impact.

THE PROBLEM

The main issue is that these programs rely on donations and resources indefinitely, which is unsustainable. Eventually, these resources will run dry.

Additionally, coaches often take significant pay cuts or even work for free. However, no matter how generous someone is, their energy will inevitably run out. For example, working 4 to 6 hours in 35-degree weather without pay will drain any coach’s enthusiasm. As a result, coaches slowly drop out, leaving the children without guidance.

Another problem is the lack of transparency regarding the programs’ achievements. For instance, did you know that Westridge Development Program has produced three players for the SA schools team in the last two years? One of these players even has the potential to earn a first-world education in the United States through a bursary. Unfortunately, this success story remains untold, and Westridge itself is just one court ruling away from shutting down.

Moreover, these programs focus solely on tennis, which is limiting. Only 15 to 20 players nationwide receive American scholarships each year, and South Africa has produced just two top 50 players in the last decade. Therefore, focusing exclusively on hitting a yellow ball over the net is misguided and should not be the ultimate goal.

THE SOLUTIONS

This initiative must operate as a business that sells useful, everyday products, with a percentage of the profits funding the program. Instead of being a nonprofit entirely dependent on others, this model ensures sustainability. If people are already making similar purchases, choosing a product from a company dedicated to improving children’s lives—from their start to securing a well-paying job—should be an easy decision.

By using these profits, we can pay coaches at or above market rates. This approach will not only improve retention but also make recruiting top talent effortless.

Additionally, we aim to provide regular updates on the program’s progress while fostering an emotional connection between our supporters and the children. Supporters can learn the kids’ names, track their improvements in reading and math, and share in the joy of milestones like hitting their first topspin shot. They can truly be part of the journey, celebrating the highs and empathizing with the lows.

Tennis serves as a building block—a sport that opens doors to the world and teaches life’s hard truths. For example, it shows that losing is part of life and that talent alone isn’t enough without hard work. However, tennis is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Without proper education, nutrition, and life skills development, a child’s potential remains limited. Therefore, we must place equal effort into these areas to ensure holistic growth.

CURRENT PHASE CHECK LIST

    • Qualified English and Zulu coaches
    • Tennis equipment (except shoes)
    • Location
    • Kitchen for healthy meals identified and on board 
    • Skilled English and Zulu speaking teachers (tutors)
    • Children identified (tough decision made to start with a class of grade 10 children 1, 2, and 3 and no higher as of yet)
    • R150 000 raised for a an uninterrupted 1st year of the program 

150K THAT IS MAD!
WHERE WILL IT GO?

  1. R36000- 40 weeks starting with 1 coach of 3 hours a week at R300 an hour. 
  2. R36000- 40 weeks starting with 1 tutor of 3  hours a week at 300 an hour.
  3. R60000- 40 weeks of nutritional food for 30 kids (1200 meals) 
  4. R10000- 40 weeks transport 
  5. R8000- unexpected costs 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Choose our products when shopping in stores. Every purchase makes a difference.

If you know anyone or have connections to small stores that can help us get our products on shelves, your support will go further than you might think.

While initial donations are greatly appreciated, we do not want to rely on them long-term. However, during this early stage, they are more than welcome to help launch this initiative successfully.

This is a long-term project aimed at creating a system that supports children from grade 000 through to matric. Our goal is to develop young adults who not only improve their own lives but also contribute meaningfully to the economy through the value they bring.

GS Acadamy aims at providing the best tennis instruction for schools and individuals alike. We aim at making a difference in the lives of school children through tennis as a sport.

Queries

admin@gsacademy.co.za

Office

061 384 1319

Coach Mitch

079 401 6848

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