Our History
MACH Academy, Inc. was founded in April 1992 by Michael Harden and Chike Amobi. Since that time, MACH Academy, Inc.has been providing educational and recreational programs and services to children, ages 5 to 18, in the Central Savannah River Area. Special emphasis is given to children and youth living in public assisted and low/moderate income housing communities who are at risk for academic failure and unhealthy lifestyles.
MACH Academy, Inc. has received strong community support and provides its Tennis and Education programs at the Fleming Tennis Center and the Diamond Lakes Tennis Center. MACH Academy, Inc. is an organizational member of the USTA and its programs are part of the Community Tennis Association (CTA) and national Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) network.
MACH Academy, Inc. uses technology, education, and tennis/fitness instruction as a means to get children’s attention while inspiring them to become academic achievers, champion athletes and responsible citizens through empathetic outreach to others.
Our Mission
The mission of MACH Academy, Inc. is to provide Life Skills and Community Development through Education, Technology, Home Ownership, and Recreational experiences with health and fitness educational goals.
MACH’s mission is connected to the late Arthur Ashe’s vision to use tennis and education sessions as tools to promote character and to offer opportunities for young people to become successful adults. We provide tuition assistance and program scholarships to ensure inclusion of all participants regardless of age, race, gender, ability, or financial income. MACH Academy, Inc. uses a professional staff, qualified board members, and trained volunteers. MACH Academy’s leadership team facilitates programs and services that lead to the development and expansion of additional resources, outreach opportunities, partnership establishments, collaborations, and other working relationships that assist in the advancement of the organization’s goals. We seek opportunities to help strengthen and improve the organization’s internal and external communication by using modern and improved technology which helps to generate new ideas and increase public participation and networking opportunities.
Our Vision
Our vision is to provide opportunity for youth to achieve success in tennis & education. We want to shape the future of the family by providing affordable housing. Tennis and fitness activities and instruction are provided in all areas of junior development from 10 and under entry level to competitive league/tournament play. Hands on activities are used to help children, particularly those growing up in disadvantaged circumstances, fully develop themselves in Mind, Body, and Spirit. Sessions are provided to encourage participants to adopt daily physical fitness routines and healthy eating habits to ensure healthy lifestyles.
We expose participants to the lifetime sport of tennis in a success-oriented and friendly environment. Our Pathway Through Tennis is accessible to participants ages 5 to 18 and includes: Ten and Under Tennis Clinics, USTA Junior Tennis Clinics, USTA Junior Team Tennis, USTA Sanctioned Junior Tennis Tournaments, USTA Tennis Clubs, NJTL Tennis Match Play Days, and Summer Tennis and Academic Camps. We encourage participants to use the game of tennis to help pave the way for tennis college scholarships.
Our Values
- Excellence
- Trust
- Discipline
- Accountability
- Teamwork
- Diversity
- Integrity