Johannesburg Tennis Grassroots Foundation Revives Ellis Park Courts

The Johannesburg Tennis Grassroots Foundation is transforming empty inner-city courts into spaces of mentorship, sport, and youth development

Johannesburg, South Africa (20 May 2026)- Johannesburg’s inner city is often spoken about through the negative lens, but on the tennis courts at Ellis Park, a different story is unfolding.

Just over a year ago, former schoolteacher and tennis enthusiast Alec Galanakis founded the Johannesburg Tennis Grassroots Foundation (JTGF) after noticing that the historic Ellis Park tennis courts stood empty day after day.

“I used to drive past the tennis courts at Ellis Park every single day and they would be empty. There was a threat that if we didn’t use the tennis courts at Ellis Park, they’d be used for something else. So I resigned from teaching and started the Johannesburg Tennis Grassroots Foundation with a couple of friends.”

The initiative began by inviting children from nearby schools, including Troyeville Primary and Bertrams Junior School, to attend free tennis sessions after school. Since then, the programme has introduced around 140 children to the sport, while also focusing on mentorship, confidence-building and life skills.

This is now a community-centred initiative creating opportunity for young people in Johannesburg’s inner city. Alec said the location itself played a major role in shaping the vision behind the project.

“Being an English and history teacher, I’m very passionate about the history of our community and about Johannesburg. That facility is over a hundred years old and we have worked hard to make sure that it has now received heritage status.”

For Johannesburg Student Councillor Katie Doyer, who has been supporting the initiative, JTGF represents the kind of community involvement she believes young people need more exposure to.

“I’ve always had this burning love for Johannesburg. If the way to get other people to also fall in love with the city is to have people become involved in their communities, then that’s what we should be doing.”

Katie believes initiatives like JTGF can help young people feel more connected to both their communities and their futures.

“A lot of people, especially in certain parts of Johannesburg that aren’t as privileged, end up going down rabbit holes that don’t necessarily benefit them. But when they become part of a meaningful project that also gives them different opportunities, they open doors for themselves.”

The foundation has also helped reignite tennis at the University of Johannesburg, with students once again using the Ellis Park courts for training sessions.

For Alec, one of the most rewarding parts has been watching children grow in confidence.

“They realise that this is something they can excel in and compete in. Every single day kids are learning something and growing as people.”

Alec hopes JTGF can eventually become a long-term development hub for tennis in the inner city.

“We want those courts busy all the time. That’s what those courts are there for.”

For those looking to donate to Johannesburg Tennis Grassroots Foundation (JTGF) or learn more, follow the link here.

Sources: GTG Interview 

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