Kern Community Tennis Association

Tennis is just a means to an end ... winning league championships is fun, but it is our objective to provide young people the opportunity to learn a lifetime sport, be a part of a team, and discover that members of their community care about them. Many studies have shown that students participating in athletics perform better in the classroom and have higher graduation rates.  The physical, social, and academic benefits that result from participation in after-school sports should not be denied to student athletes from families that cannot afford the necessary equipment.

KCTA has been serving the community for nearly 60 years, but the initiative to ensure no student athlete in Kern County is denied these opportunities was launched in 2018.  During that time, we have supplied over 1800 racquets, 2300 pairs of shoes, and 38,000 practice balls to the players at 27 high schools.  Through partnerships with Bakersfield’s private clubs, we have also provided up to 15 hours of professional instruction to nearly 1300 student athletes since 2021.  Financial literacy training has been delivered to more than 500 students.  This is all provided at no cost to the students or their schools.

KCTA has played an integral role in growing the number of teens who participate and markedly improving their experience.  We have received hundreds of testimonials from both players and coaches, but Marc Booc, Kennedy High Varsity Coach, may have said it best, "Many of our students come from low-income households and cannot afford racquets and attire to play extracurricular sports. My dream is to keep these young men and women active and out of trouble. I am deeply honored and joyful to be working alongside KCTA to provide opportunities to kids who would normally fall through the cracks."

In a recent ceremony including Mayor Karen Goh, Bakersfield was named USTA SoCal's first-ever Tennis Town.  Many factors contributed to this award, but KCTA is extremely proud that our efforts to reach and welcome all players regardless of age, background, ability, or income level was key to our city being awarded this recognition.  Our success is due to the many generous donors in our community.  The video link provides additional details. 

Rest assured that every dollar donated to KCTA will be well spent.  We are an all-volunteer organization that has established partnerships with major equipment suppliers and built a strong network with high school coaches throughout Kern County to minimize waste and serve as many young people as possible.