The Johannesburg Tennis Grassroots Foundation (JTGF) is turning the historic Ellis Park tennis courts into a powerful space for youth development, mentorship and community renewal in Johannesburg’s inner city.
Founded by former teacher and tennis enthusiast Alec Galanakis, the initiative began after he noticed the once-iconic courts standing empty day after day.
What started as a small community effort has quickly grown into a programme that has already introduced more than 140 children from nearby schools to tennis, while also teaching confidence, discipline and life skills.
Beyond the sport itself, JTGF is helping restore pride in a historic sporting facility and creating meaningful opportunities for young people in areas where positive outlets are often limited. The programme has also helped revive university tennis activity at Ellis Park, bringing new energy back to the courts.
With a vision to keep the courts active and accessible for the community, JTGF is proving that sport can be a catalyst for both personal growth and urban renewal.
Read the full article to learn how tennis is helping reshape lives and communities in Johannesburg’s inner city.