Just Cause Tennis serves up youth tennis
in West Oakland

From the Globe Education Desk

Just Cause Tennis Inc. will launch a low-cost, robust instructional tennis program in March designed for children and teens who live in or attend school in the West Oakland community. The organization is run by Robert and Patricia Hadden, an Oakland-based husband- wife coaching team who share a passion for tennis.
   The program will take place at McClymonds High School tennis courts located at 2607 Myrtle St. Interested parents and students may learn more about the program and schedule by contacting the Haddens at (510) 635-1780.
    Robert Hadden, a counselor at McClymonds who specializes in working with students at-risk of dropping out of school, said he developed the program three years ago to give the West Oakland community an athletic program unlike any other in the area.
   “To put it plainly, I love tennis and it is one of my passions in life, and I wanted to share this with the youth in this particular community so that they get the chance to experience how personally satisfying learning, playing and competing in this sport can be.” Hadden is currently undergoing training to become a professional tennis instructor through the U.S. Professional Tennis Rating system.
    Recently, Hadden and his organization were chosen by the United States Tennis Association’s Multicultural Participation Department to attend a community tennis development workshop held in Atlanta. He has also worked with the local chapter of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) located in Alameda to position his organization as a USTA afterschool program and as a community tennis organization in Oakland.
   “Given our relationship with the USTA and, of course, the administrators of Mc- Clymonds and other schools we’re targeting in the West Oakland community, we’re planning a lot in terms of tennis programming in West Oakland,” Hadden said. “Not just the after-school program do we have scheduled, but we’re anticipating rolling out tennis in West Oakland schools in PE classes and spring and summer tennis camps as well, and giv[ing] kids real opportunities to learn how wonderful it is to play tennis.”
    Founded in 2004, Just Cause Tennis Inc. is a nonprofit organization that specializes in life enhancement through athletic participation, which motivates, challenges and inspires youth to be the best they can be.
    It offers loaner racquets and balls, USTA membership and information for advanced junior tennis players seeking access to junior leagues and competition. For more information, visit www.justcausetennis.org.