Second Serve RVA
At Second Serve Foundation, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover their potential—on and off the court. Click here to download a Second Serve PDF.
Richmond’s Tennis Legacy
Richmond has a rich tennis legacy that includes ’citizen of the world’ Arthur Ashe, Jr. known for his off-court advancement of civil and human rights and his on-court achievements, which include being the only black man to win singles titles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open.
Richmond was nationally recognized as one of three ‘top tennis towns’ in 2010 by the USTA and hosted an international Davis Cup tie in 1968 at historic Byrd Park.
A sport that helps build healthy lives for youth and adults, tennis was recently named ‘the healthiest sport’ evident in a long-term study showing that it can add nearly 10 years to a person’s life. We believe anyone should be able to pick up a racquet and have a place to play regardless of age, environment, circumstance or ability and realize the physical, mental and social benefits of the game.
Today, Richmonders, especially Richmond’s youth, lack year-round non-profit, public access to facilities and programs that create equitable pathways that grow leaders while advancing physical and mental wellness.
Richmond needs a catalyst—a robust tennis center— to truly activate these pathways at scale. Seeds of success are already being sown in Richmond to unlock these easy-to-see pathways, i.e. Rising Stars Academy helps 50 but could help 500, Tennis Under the Lights, Junior Team Tennis, etc. Other cities such as Denver and Memphis illustrate a proven model that Richmond should not ignore.
The momentum and public-private partner commitment has aligned on Arthur Ashe Boulevard. A transformation. A revitalization. A legacy preserved in a beloved centerpiece of our community and its commitment to Richmond’s youth.
Our Vision
Players of all skill levels and abilities in Richmond should have access to a year-round center that creates pathways to a lifetime of personal and community benefits.
Any child should be able to pick up a racquet and think that they can have the opportunity to play at Wimbledon or the U.S. Open.
Every child should be able to have access to ‘the healthiest sport’ while receiving the health and wellness benefits it offers.
Our Plan
Construct an 8-court indoor facility at Byrd Park that provides training and programs. This tennis center will complement and fold in the existing 12 outdoor courts to offer year-round programming at a larger and more comprehensive scale.
Second Serve RVA is tasked with developing programming for tennis, health, wellness and life skills will be managed from this facility. The facility will also be a cultural and educational center, a tenant home to the Black Tennis Hall of Fame and the Richmond Tennis Hall of Fame, Richmond Tennis Association, Metro Richmond Tennis Club, and Second Serve Foundation.
Public access to programs for Richmond’s youth is the primary mission.
At Second Serve RVA, our mission is to transform the lives of young people through tennis, education, and wellness. Our focus is to uplift our student community with the Richmond Public School system by provided free and full access this facility. Every session—on and off the court—serves as a tool to teach readiness, respect, and resilience. Our programs promote health, academic excellence, and personal confidence—instilling habits that last a lifetime. Through tennis, we teach far more than sport: we teach leadership, teamwork, and the power of perseverance.
Fitness for Life
Tennis is our classroom for health and discipline.
Second Serve RVA uses the USTA Cardio Tennis framework to help each participant build strength, endurance, and agility while keeping sessions dynamic and fun.
Cross-training sessions take place before each tennis instruction block and are designed to match the skill and developmental level of each program.
Our approach emphasizes:
Consistency and progression: Measured goals are set, tracked, and celebrated.
Balance, coordination, and agility: The foundation of strong tennis performance and lifelong wellness.
Inclusion through movement: Every child participates at their own level of challenge—creating shared success and motivation.
By using tennis as a model for movement and discipline, Second Serve develops healthy habits that extend beyond sport into everyday life.
Nutrition and Performance
Healthy bodies fuel healthy minds.
Second Serve provides guidance for youth and families on balanced eating and the importance of fueling both body and brain.
We partner with community pediatricians and nutritionists and wellness educators to integrate lessons on:
Daily hydration and smart snacking
Balanced meals to support active growth
How nutrition impacts focus, mood, and academic success
Through hands-on activities and family workshops, students learn the connection between what they eat, how they feel, and how they perform. Nutrition is not an add-on—it’s a pillar of readiness and confidence for every player.
Our Programs
Mental Resilience and Mindfulness
Strong minds make stronger players—and stronger communities.
Second Serve is deeply committed to the mental and emotional well-being of our student-athletes. Our programs include workshops and activities that build focus, composure, and self-awareness both on and off the court.
Key elements include:
Mindfulness and stress management: Breathing, meditation, and reflection sessions teach students how to center themselves under pressure.
Emotional literacy and leadership: Youth learn to recognize emotions, support teammates, and lead with empathy.
Access to support: We provide a safe space and access to resources for mental health, mentorship, and wellness counseling when needed.
Our goal is to normalize wellness conversations and remove the stigma around seeking help. We believe mental strength is as vital as physical skill.
Fun and Community Engagement
Wellness should feel good. Competition should feel empowering.
Second Serve programs make physical activity and learning joyful through creative play, team challenges, and community events.
From Tennis Under the Lights to local and regional tournaments, we create environments where families, peers, and coaches celebrate growth together.
Our “Play with Purpose” philosophy ensures that:
Every activity builds confidence and character
Fun is a pathway to consistency
Friendship and community are as valued as trophies
By blending health, skill, and joy, Second Serve keeps youth excited, motivated, and ready to achieve—on the court, in the classroom, and in life.
At Second Serve RVA Foundation, every serve, sprint, and smile contributes to something bigger—a healthier, more connected Richmond.We believe that through tennis, youth can discover their voice, strengthen their character, and build a lifelong foundation for leadership, wellness, and service.
Contact us
Interested in knowing more about the Second Serve Foundation? Or how to partner with us in promoting this initiative. Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!