In memory of Joe Krocheski, this annual award was created to recognize youth sportsmanship and foster community tennis programming for youth who would not typically have access to them. This award is given to a junior tennis player at RFL Simsbury. This initiative also includes the following youth racquet sports programs:

• Horizons Westminster Summer Camp – The RFL Foundation has formed a partnership with Horizons at Westminster, an organization which provides students from Hartford Public Schools (grades 1st through 8th) with a six-week summer program. Through this partnership, over 250 children aged 5 to 13 from downtown Hartford, CT have been introduced to tennis for the first time. This program is a much-needed resource for the community and requires equipment and instruction.
• Moylan Elementary School & María C. Colón Sánchez Elementary School – This after-school program with these Hartford schools provides sustainable year-round tennis for over 350+ students from grades 3 to 5 (with a goal of expanding to middle school grades 6 to 8 in the future). Many of these students also participate in the Horizons summer program. Hartford has a poverty rate which is 113% higher than the national average and a crime rate 1.3 times higher than the average US city. Tennis is a great outlet for local youth and with additional support, we’ll be able to bring joy and healthy choices to more of them.
• We have plans to expand our after-school and summer youth racquet sports programs and partner with other local schools and non-profits in the Greater Hartford community.

We can’t do any of this without your help!

Interested in making a difference? We are in need of Community Volunteer Coaches! This is a perfect opportunity for junior players looking to build their resumes, college applications, or gain community service experience. And adults looking to give back! The RFL Foundation is looking for volunteers to coach youth at the Horizons Program at the Westminster School in Simsbury for 6 weeks in July and August on Mondays and Fridays from 9:15 to 11:45 AM. This program is led by RFL’s Malena Gordo. Email malena@rflsimsbury.com if you’re interested in learning more!