By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Photo credit: Leylah Annie & Family Foundation/First Serve Miami
Leylah Fernandez‘s unwavering dedication to the sport and her community makes her a beloved figure among fans.
In a heartfelt initiative, Fernandez is reaching out to tennis enthusiasts in South Florida, empowering them to make their mark on the game.
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Leylah Fernandez and her family’s charitable organization, the Leylah Annie & Family Foundation, have partnered with First Serve Miami to introduce a new community tennis program geared towards underserved youth.
Launched amid the joyous Miami Open festivities, the program is set to commence this summer at Buccaneer Park in Miami Gardens, providing complimentary tennis coaching, mentorship, and educational support for kids aged 5 to 18.
“This collaboration is incredibly meaningful to me as it combines my passions for community service and the sport of tennis,” said Fernandez, who calls Miami home. “Together, we aim to empower local youth by equipping them with the skills to excel both on the court and in life.”
The 2021 US Open finalist has been training in South Florida for years and has previously hosted clinics in the region.
This initiative will merge the Leylah Annie & Family Foundation’s mission of uplifting communities through sports with First Serve Miami’s established commitment to offering tennis, life skills, and educational resources to the youth of Miami, as stated in a recent media release. The after-school program will emphasize character development, leadership, teamwork, and academic achievement while providing athletic training, per First Serve Miami’s announcement.
“We are excited to unite with the Leylah Annie & Family Foundation to make a lasting difference for Miami’s youth,” said Angie Rivera, Executive Director of First Serve Miami. “Our shared vision will ensure these young individuals have the tools necessary to thrive in all aspects of life.”
This partnership was formally unveiled during the fundraising luncheon hosted by First Serve Miami at Hard Rock Stadium. This year’s theme, “Serving Up Tennis through Programs, Parks and Partnerships,” underscores the tennis community’s growing efforts to enhance accessibility and equity in the sport.
For more details, please visit www.leylahanniefoundation.org and firstservemiami.org.
