Monrovia, Liberia – Youth for Tennis, in partnership with the U.S.-based PTR Foundation, has successfully concluded another impactful phase of its ongoing Tennis Clinic initiative in Liberia. This latest round of training sessions was held across several secondary schools, introducing tennis education and promoting physical activity among a growing number of students in Montserrado County.
At the closing ceremony held on May 30, 2025, in Gardnersville, Youth for Tennis focal person and certified international tennis coach, Alfred Kandakai, expressed deep appreciation to the PTR Foundation for its consistent partnership and support through grant and materials. “I want to be thankful to the board of directors of Youth for Tennis, and the PTR Foundation for their tireless support over the period,” Coach Kandakai said. “Today, we mark the conclusion of another successful phase of our program.” He noted that the clinic runs during the academic year, particularly throughout the dry season, targeting school-going children. “Normally, our programs run during the dry season and throughout the school year because this initiative is specifically designed for students,” he added. “As we approach the end of another academic year, we will pause and prepare to resume in the next phase.”
About the PTR Foundation The Professional Tennis Registry Foundation (PTR Foundation) was established by legendary tennis coach Dennis Van der Meer, who also founded the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) and the Van Der Meer Tennis University. Often referred to as the “Teacher of Teachers,” Van der Meer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2021. He was known for pioneering the ‘Standard Teaching Method’ and for coaching tennis icons such as Billie Jean King and Margaret Court during the historic “Battle of the Sexes” match in the 1970s.
As the charitable arm of the PTR, the PTR Foundation is committed to making tennis accessible to all. It focuses on delivering educational resources, grants, and support for adaptive and special population programs. The foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting Special Olympics Tennis Championships and launching youth programs in underserved communities worldwide. One of its flagship initiatives is the “Learn with Legends” virtual conference, led by distinguished International Master Professionals.
The November 2023 edition featured speakers such as Kirk Anderson, Tina Tharp, and Doug Cash, successfully raising funds to sustain its outreach efforts. Through these and other programs, the PTR Foundation continues to uphold Van der Meer’s legacy, fostering inclusivity, education, and growth in the global tennis community.
