Levy Park Tennis Program is Bringing Tennis to Local Kids

The Levy Park Tennis Program is flourishing, thanks to a consistent influx of grants and the work of dedicated volunteers and coaches, says Paul Pittman of the Ron James Youth Tennis Program (RJYTP). 

The partnership between the City of Florence Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism and RJYTP teaches youths fundamental tennis skills to build upon to perhaps compete at a higher level. 

The program is currently at Levy Park because Levy has tennis courts and a community center with afterschool and summer youth programs. 

Started in 2023, the Levy program added a summer session this year to go with bi-weekly afterschool tennis clinics taught by a certified instructor. RJYTP provides the instructor, supplies and equipment, while the instructor and PRT community center staff coordinate the program’s activities.

It’s coach, Allen Muldrow, a former professional basketball player, transitioned to tennis and has now been coaching kids for 25 years, including kids who went on to play at the collegiate and pro level. 

“To see kids progress from where they can’t even hit the ball, and now they are hitting it great, there is a lot of satisfaction,” Muldrow said (from the bottom picture practicing inside with the kids on a rainy day). “You never know which one is going to take it and run with it. It’s very rewarding.” 

The program has included trips to watch professional tennis, such as to a tournament at Daniel’s Island. 

Grants from various sources have funded new fencing, netting, benches and much more at Levy that the kids and others benefit from, Pittman added. 

“We have a really good park over here now, in terms of its condition and availability,” Pittman said (pictured below handing out shirts to the kids). 

Rob Hill, Director of Tennis for the PRT, said the program provides a crucial means of community outreach for kids who may otherwise miss out. 

“Anytime we can provide more access to our athletics, programming or facilities, I am all for it,” Hill said. “We are essentially going to them instead of waiting for them to come to us.” 

The kids are pictured wearing t-shirts they got that day from the Ron James Youth Tennis Program for their participation.