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Tennis Program

Happy group of tennis students

STRIDE offers both indoor and outdoor tennis programs, determined by where we find court time. We now offer both stand-up and wheelchair tennis instruction. Students learn the fundamentals of tennis, such as forehand, backhand, volleys, and serving, through simple drills and hands-on coaching based on US Tennis Association standards. Racquets, balls, and adaptive equipment are supplied as needed. Lessons are taught by skilled and caring volunteers.


To register, contact aryan@stride.org or 518-598-1279.

Updated STRIDE registration form and liability waivers are required for all athletes. Enrollment is necessary to participate, contact program director Alli Ryan to enroll at aryan@stride.org.

Student balancing ball on racket

Spring 2024 Session

SPORTIME Schenectady
2699 Curry Rd, Schenectady, NY 12303

When: Coming Soon

Ages: 8- 21 yrs

Cost: $25 administrative fee per session

Program Leader will divide the group into 2 groups, RED/BLUE, and alternate weeks of lessons. Each group will have 10 weeks of instruction.


Dave Graham tennis instructor

Meet our STRIDE Tennis Program Leader, Dave Graham Jr.

Dave Graham has played tennis most of his life, having competed at the High School and College level. What distinguishes Dave is that he is an avid representative of the game who works hard to grow the sport among people with disabilities. Dave serves in a voluntary role as Tennis Director at STRIDE Adaptive Sports. Dave’s journey of using his passion and talent for the game to promote equity and inclusion began in 2010, when he began looking for sports activities for his son Luke who has Autism. Due to the positive experiences he and his son had with STRIDE, Dave agreed to take over STRIDE’s tennis program. He created a tennis curriculum and format for individuals with disabilities (including wheelchair tennis players) that emphasizes basic fundamental tennis skills while providing the opportunity for social interaction and a place to have fun!

After a decade of stellar service, Dave rose to the occasion when the pandemic arose. He led STRIDE’s efforts (when our in-person programs were cancelled) to teach our tennis players with disabilities that they can have fun and play the game even while at home during the quarantine. Here is a video that demonstrates Dave’s creative and innovative teaching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtV6DV5ZS-I&t=3s

When it became reasonably safe to return to in-person play, he got our program back on the courts. He has fantastic volunteer assistants, such as his father (David Sr.), wife (Michele), daughter (Rory), and a number of high school students, which help make the program run seamlessly.

In his spare time, Dave enjoys playing sports, performing music with his bands, LEGENDARY LOSERS (who have played at some STRIDE events) and WATCH REGGIE RUN (a band he started with his son Luke), and watching his daughter, Rory, compete in Cross Country and Track & Field. Thanks to Dave, tennis is becoming a sweet song for many disadvantaged players who would have never discovered the joys of the sport otherwise.


Program Sponsored by Grants from:
USTA Logo

May 2024

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1
  • Wildwood
2
3
4
  • Latham Bowling
5
6
7
8
  • Wildwood
9
10
  • Respite
11
  • Latham Bowling
  • Learn to Dance
12
13
14
  • Kayaking
15
  • Wildwood
16
17
  • Canvas Paint Party
18
  • Latham Bowling
  • Learn to Dance
19
  • Splits Happen Fundraiser
20
21
  • Kayaking
22
  • Wildwood
23
24
25
  • Learn to Dance
26
27
28
  • Kayaking
29
  • Wildwood
30
  • Swim Banquet
31
  • Sock hop

Program Admin Fee

Have you received confirmation from our Program Director?

If not, email: aryan@stride.org. After confirmation, click on the button below and make payment according to the instructions on the page.