Franklin Regional tennis player starts program to introduce kids to sport

A Murrysville nonprofit that provides free tennis training to special needs and disadvantaged children age 8 to 13 is expanding to include children of veterans.

My Ground Strokes CEO Anup Nadesan said he recruited two veterans as digital and program managers.

Nadesan, a Franklin Regional junior boys tennis player, and former Panther Joseph Bonfiglio started the organization in August.

Ten people have registered so far. Members meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Fridays at the Rashid Hassan Elite Tennis Academy. East Suburban Citizen Advocacy is a partner.

Nadesan and Bonfiglio said they wanted to make tennis accessible.

“The idea for My Ground Strokes came out of a realization that our community seemed to lack an affordable way for youth to be introduced to and regularly play tennis,” said Bonfiglio, a freshman at Michigan. “As friends and teammates, Anup and I easily recalled the experiences and enjoyment we received as a result (of) this sport.”

Nadesan said four coaches were brought on board, most of them Panthers players.

“Our long-term vision is to expand across the (U.S.),” Nadesan said. “We are confident we can execute (this) with help from sponsors and volunteers.”

Rashid Hassan, Nadesan’s junior coach, said kids tend to gravitate toward Nadesan.

“Anup has an awesome personality,” Hassan said. “He brings positive energy, which is the building block to making this a success.”

Trish Conrad of Murrysville said her 10-year-old son loves the program.

“They’re teaching the kids all the skills,” she said.

Blaine Conrad said the coaches are nice and know a lot about the game.

East Suburban Citizen Advocacy executive director Kate Cala said the program is wonderful.

“We’re pleased young people are taking the initiative to be leaders in building inclusion,” she said.

Franklin Regional coach Howard Fisher said because of Nadesan’s and Bonfiglio’s leadership abilities, the Panthers had a successful season last spring. Nadesan was Section 1-AAA singles champion and Bonfiglio a captain.

For more about the program, write to Mygroundstrokes@gmail.com or call the East Suburban Citizen Advocacy at 724-325-3344.