Our Story
It has been an amazing journey for some of our founding members, who first picked up a tennis racquet while living in Angola. Through this sport, they discovered passion, resilience, discipline, and the joy of belonging to a supportive community. The kindness and camaraderie of the Angolan tennis family left a lasting impression and inspired a desire to give back.
What began as an effort to support young tennis players in Angola has grown into a broader mission. We believe sports have the power to bring people together, build confidence, break barriers, and create opportunities for people of all backgrounds and abilities. Whether supporting youth players, adaptive and wheelchair athletes, or underserved communities, our goal remains the same—to help every athlete discover the joy of swinging their first racquet.
At First Racquet, we strive to build inclusive and supportive communities where everyone has the opportunity to play, grow, and inspire others. Through your support, we can continue opening doors, changing lives, and sharing the lifelong values that sports have given us.”
First Racquet is a youth-led 501c(3) nonprofit organization based in Houston Texas.
What We Do
We collect gently-used tennis gear and clothing to support underserved youth athletes in Angola. Many young tennis players lack access to the equipment they need to participate in training, games, and tournaments. Your donated items are delivered directly to these players, helping them stay active and pursue their passion for tennis.
Beyond equipment donations, we host charity tennis and pickleball tournaments to raise funds and create greater access to the sport. A portion of these efforts supports wheelchair tennis athletes, as specialized sports wheelchairs are expensive and often beyond the reach of many players. Through our fundraising events, we help provide essential equipment, including sports wheelchairs, so athletes can train, compete, and continue chasing their tennis dreams.
We partner with several organizations in the Greater Houston Area to collect your generous donations. Check out the latest drop-off locations and their hours.
Tennis Equipment
We collect new or gently-used tennis racquets, strings, over grips, etc.
Tennis Shoes
We collect new or gently-worn tennis shoes for children aged 8-18.
Sports Apparel
We collect new or gently-worn athletic apparel such as short and long sleeve t-shirts, jackets, shorts/pants, and hats in all sizes.
Our Numbers Speak
Hear From Our Community
Reflecting on our recent Labor Day Hitting Event, we are filled with profound gratitude for each player’s unwavering dedication and participation. Even in the intense heat, your passion for the game stood out, epitomizing community spirit and offering hope to the children we tirelessly champion. Your involvement resonated as a testament to resilience and unity. We’re deeply thankful for the shared memories and look forward to our continued journey together.
First Racquet Executive and Greater Houston Area Team
Dillon Beckles (Austin Director) exemplifies passion and commitment. Everything he did… [including covering] for a volunteer that had a family emergency was so awesome. He hit with a player who was literally shaking his legs when he first saw Dillon. Dillon bent to his level, introduced himself, asked his name, talked to him and made him so comfortable even before hitting the court. That simple but profound gesture made the player feel comfortable and brought the best out of him.
Ramani R., Parent
Thank you for taking the initiative to spread our love for tennis to others around the world, and for pioneering valuable opportunities for those in need. I look forward to joining the team in many more First Racquet events to come.
Jason L., former Volunteer, current University Ambassador
Our Partners
