Guest Writer: Jeremy Rossbock, Serve the Future
Courage First Athlete Helpline and Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe for Athletes are teaming up with Serve the Future AZ, a nonprofit committed to empowering underserved youth through the sport of tennis.
This collaboration brings vital resources to the Phoenix community, addressing a growing need for awareness and protection in youth sports. Developed by the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline and the Foundation for Global Sports Development, the Courage First Athlete Helpline is the only program of its kind in the country, designed to support athletes, parents, coaches, and sports communities across the U.S. and Canada.
Alarming statistics highlight the urgency: 37% of athletes report experiencing at least one form of physical abuse during childhood in sport, while 14% to 29% report being victims of sexual violence before the age of 18.
“Partnering with Serve the Future allows us to directly engage coaches and students about the warning signs of abuse and neglect in youth sports,” said Cathy Beach, Program Manager with the Athlete Helpline. “Local organizations like Serve the Future are essential in challenging sports culture and driving real change to protect young athletes.”
Leslie Banks, Founder and Executive Director of Serve the Future, emphasized the importance of this work: “Ninety-five percent of the youth we serve are from minority backgrounds, and over a third live at or below the poverty line. Many of our kids face instability every day. That’s why we’re so focused on building confidence, perseverance, and responsibility through tennis.”
The partnership will take center stage at the upcoming Serve the Future Triples Tournament, happening May 18 at Phoenix Country Club. Onsite facilitators from both organizations will be available, offering engaging content and vital information to empower coaches, parents, and students to make mental health and safety a top priority in youth athletics.
About Serve the Future AZ
Serve The Future AZ is a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its core mission is to positively impact youth from underserved communities. Building self-confidence, perseverance and responsibility through the game of tennis. By providing positive opportunities to learn and grow through the sport of tennis they develop a healthier lifestyle which impacts their family, peers and community. Consistency and repetition through a yearlong tennis academy complemented by transformative and engaging programs is the path to achieving change. By specifically choosing youth from the Elementary, Middle and High School Districts within the Phoenix Union, the organization hopes to alleviate some of the disparities noted above. The pandemic has exacerbated this well-documented academic and social gulf among school districts. Serve the Future AZ wants to contribute to the solution by giving these youth healthy, positive opportunities and environments on and off the tennis court. Learn more at servethefuture.org.
