When William Scudder, a junior at Glastonbury High School, saw an opportunity to share his love of tennis with a far‑off community, he turned it into a concrete act of service. Together with his older brother, Alexander, the brothers founded the nonprofit The Tennis Broz, a youth‑led effort to collect gently used tennis rackets and pickleball paddles for players in Uganda.
Local response fuels the drive
The brothers announced the drive in early November, setting a deadline of Nov. 20 for donations. Since then, the Glastonbury tennis community has responded with enthusiasm. “I’m really surprised by how enthusiastic the tennis community is for helping,” William said. “So many people are like, wow, we admire what you’re trying to do. They’re really donating a lot.”
How the collection works
Donors bring their gently used equipment to designated drop‑off points at local tennis clubs and community centers. Once the Nov. 20 deadline passes, The Tennis Broz will inspect each item, clean it, and prepare the shipment. The nonprofit has already partnered with Kindness for Kinless, an organization that facilitates the logistics of sending the gear to Uganda.
To date, the brothers have gathered 20 rackets, a promising start that reflects the power of a small town rallying around a shared purpose. The goal is to expand that number significantly before the collection ends, ensuring a meaningful shipment that can support multiple Ugandan players and clubs.
Why Uganda?
Uganda’s tennis scene has been growing, but many players lack access to quality equipment. By providing well‑maintained rackets and paddles, The Tennis Broz hopes to give young athletes the tools they need to train, compete, and pursue scholarships. The effort aligns with broader Christian values of service and stewardship, reminding us that generosity knows no borders.
How to help
Community members who wish to contribute can find donation details on the nonprofit’s website, linked in the original announcement. The drive welcomes all types of tennis gear, from strings to grips, as long as the items are in usable condition. Volunteers are also needed to help with the inspection and cleaning process after the collection period ends.
Looking ahead
William and Alexander view this initiative as the first step in a larger mission to connect Glastonbury’s love of sport with global outreach. They hope the success of this drive will inspire other youth groups to launch similar projects, fostering a culture of giving that strengthens both local and international communities.
In a time when many young people are focused on screens and individual pursuits, the Scudder brothers demonstrate how a simple, faith‑guided idea can mobilize a town, support a distant community, and embody the traditional family values that keep neighborhoods strong.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
