High-quality tennis instruction for youth who typically lacked access — starting with children of color in Northeast Portland and growing into a multicultural program open to all.
Kids N' Tennis, Inc. was founded in 1987 by Don Johnson and Andre St. James. Both men noticed that very few children of color were playing tennis, and agreed to start a summer tennis camp in Northeast Portland to address the community need. Irving Park was chosen for the first camp for its location within Portland's predominately African American community.
The camp was a success, and many children wanted to keep going. Johnson and St. James began purchasing court time at the Portland Tennis Center. As they learned more about the USTA's mission and programs, they worked with USTA/PNW and other community leaders to form a Community Tennis Association in 1989. In 1992, Kids N' Tennis earned its 501(c)(3) status.
After succeeding in its founding goal, the program broadened its outreach and evolved into a multicultural, ethnically diverse tennis program. Over the past thirty-five years it has taught tennis to more than 2,000 children — graduates include Portland-area teaching professionals and numerous college graduates.
Advanced players are encouraged to enroll in our junior development academy by contacting us at kidsntennis@gmail.com or 503-880-0582.
Don Johnson & Andre St. James launch the first summer camp at Irving Park, NE Portland.
A Community Tennis Association forms with help from USTA/PNW and community leaders.
Kids N' Tennis receives its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
Coach Johnson relocates to Texas and founds sister program Kids N' Tennis–TEXAS.
USPTR names Coach Johnson Oregon PTR Pro of the Year for 30+ years of charitable work.
2,500+ children served, with free year-round programs across Portland/Vancouver.
Prioritize diversity, inclusion, and sustainability in inner-city youth tennis programs.
Maintain a core focus on African American youth while expanding outreach to all underserved communities.
Keep tennis accessible through free and reduced-cost lessons at the Portland Tennis Center, PPS afterschool programs, and Irving Park Summer Camp.
Use tennis as a tool for teaching educational, social, and life skills equally to boys and girls.
Emphasize fundamentals, character development, and good sportsmanship.
Train and certify youth coaches, creating a pipeline for tennis-industry careers.
Partnerships with organizations such as the USTA Foundation, Professional Tennis Registry, and Portland Parks & Recreation enable the delivery of high-quality, volunteer-powered tennis programs across the region.
Community support from C2Squared, Inc., CareOregon, Portland Parks Foundation, Irvington Club Community Foundation, and USTA/PNW has provided essential funding to ensure the sustainability of our programs. Local and national tennis businesses have strengthened our work by providing equipment and supplies at reduced cost and through in-kind product donations.
Kids N' Tennis fosters personal and athletic development in an environment where every child can pursue tennis while building essential life skills — breaking down the financial and social barriers that limit participation, and evolving to meet the community's changing needs.
Free summer camps at Irving Park and year-round lessons at the Portland Tennis Center. Quality instruction from Certified Tennis Teaching Professionals.
