Tennis Program Teaches Life Lessons to Kids

The founder says he wants others to benefit from the game like he did.

Two weeks of tennis begin in Queens today as the US Open kicks off. But the game is played with just as much passion down in Brooklyn.

Michael McCasland is the president of the Kings County Tennis League. It's an organization that teaches tennis to kids in underprivileged areas. He says the game is one of the best ways to mentor kids, and to teach them life lessons. 

"Nobody's a natural at tennis. It takes hard work, commitment, and dedication. Just like a job, a career, or an advanced degree would," said McCasland.

Brandon Otero is a young tennis aficionado. He says as soon as he joined the league, he was hooked on the sport. Otero says he wants to volunteer with the organization when he's older, because the instructors have taught him more than just how to serve and volley.

"You know, they help you out with stuff. And when they tell you about what they do, it inspires you to do better, so every time I go there it's basically an inspiration for me," Otero said.

McCasland says tennis taught him the importance of mental toughness, and he hopes the kids learn it too. He also says they plan on watching plenty of the US Open.

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