CVC Foundation and WTA Foundation Launch Girls Empowerment Series Through Tennis

Ahead of the US Open, the organizations hosted the inaugural Dream Big. Play Big. community tennis clinic for girls aged 7 to 12, offering them the chance to learn skills, build confidence, and enjoy the camaraderie of playing together.

This event, facilitated by Riverside Tennis, marks the beginning of a partnership aimed at increasing access to tennis, enhancing leadership skills, and fostering female coaches and role models. This initiative aligns with the WTA Foundation’s ongoing work in empowering girls and aims to create greater access and opportunities for future female leaders worldwide.

Jocelyn Cruz, Director of Riverside Tennis, emphasized the importance of envisioning the future and the excitement that comes with it. The clinic served not only as an introduction to tennis for some but also as a chance for all participants to engage, try new things, and build a sense of belonging through sport.

The focus of the event extended beyond mastering tennis techniques; it highlighted the value of community, collaboration, and resilience. Cathrin Petty, Co-head of USA Private Equity and Global Head of Healthcare at CVC, remarked on the benefits of sports in building friendships, healthy habits, and ambition, noting the importance of learning to overcome challenges.

For the WTA Foundation, creating connections between sport and opportunity is fundamental. Ann Austin, Executive Director of the WTA Foundation, stated that the partnership is built on shared values and the belief in sports as a powerful agent for change, aiming to empower girls and women in all aspects of life.

The Dream Big. Play Big. initiative combines free tennis clinics, development for coaches, equipment support, and investment in community organizations. This approach seeks to foster ongoing engagement in sports beyond a single event.

The New York clinic serves as a foundational step in the broader Dream Big. Play Big. program. As it expands, the model will integrate on-court experiences with community support and digital learning, creating a framework that can reach more girls and coaches effectively. The initiative underscores that opportunity begins with access to a racket, a court, and a community that encourages ambition.