As a nonprofit, San Diego Regional EDC is supported by the investment of more than 150 public agencies, companies, and organizations like Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center.
With these investments, EDC provides direct support, aligned with regional Inclusive Growth goals, to companies of all sizes to drive San Diego’s economic prosperity and global competitiveness. EDC sat down with Ryan Redondo, CEO of Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center, which shared more on its efforts to grow San Diego’s racquet sport footprint and help regional youth build confidence on and off the court.
Read more about Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center’s regional impact and support for EDC.
Tell us about Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center and its mission.
As CEO of Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center, I’m proud to lead an organization that has served as a cornerstone for youth development and community engagement in Southern California for more than seven decades. Our mission is simple but powerful: To inspire and provide opportunity through tennis, education, and character development for children from all backgrounds, especially those in underserved communities.
At the heart of our work is the Point Loma-based Barnes Tennis Center, one of the premier public racquet sport facilities in the country. A hub for youth empowerment, educational support, and family connection, we provide access to free and low-cost tennis programs, after-school enrichment, tournament training, and college prep resources. Our programs reach thousands of children each year, equipping them with life skills that go far beyond the court.
We believe racquet sport is a vehicle for change. That’s why we invest in grassroots outreach, regional partnerships, and inclusion. Our aim is to remove barriers to participation, build confidence and resilience, and open doors for children to achieve their full potential—whether in tennis, academics, or life.
What makes San Diego perfect for tennis, pickleball, and padel?
San Diego is unmatched when it comes to racquet sports. With our year-round sunshine, active community, and world-class facilities, it’s no surprise that tennis, pickleball, and padel are thriving here. Our region’s blend of lifestyle, diversity, and innovation make it the perfect environment for racquet sports to grow.
As more people take to the courts—especially in pickleball and padel—we’ve broadened our programming to include these fast-growing sports alongside tennis. The response has been incredible, and we have seen other facilities open that will positively stimulate economic development for the region.
Why have Youth Tennis San Diego and Barnes Tennis Center chosen to invest in EDC?
At Youth Tennis San Diego and the Barnes Tennis Center, our mission is rooted in creating opportunity for children from every corner of our community.
We chose to invest in EDC because we believe that access—to sport, education, and employment—should not be dictated by zip code. EDC’s efforts to cultivate diverse talent pipelines and foster inclusive economic development directly support our work both on and off the court. Additionally, as we expand programs in pickleball, padel, and tennis, we’re increasingly involved in infrastructure, workforce, and public-private collaboration. EDC has been a key partner in helping us navigate permitting, incentives, and strategic partnerships—particularly as we grow our facilities, enhance accessibility, and scale community impact.
How does the organization collaborate with other regional partners?
At Youth Tennis San Diego and the Barnes Tennis Center, community connection is at the core of everything we do.
We work closely with regional hotels and universities to hire interns, coaches, and staff, creating real-world pathways for San Diegans interested in sports management, education, health, and nonprofit work. We also collaborate with local schools, community centers, and fellow nonprofits to offer free racquet sport programs, support after-school and summer initiatives, and provide educational resources and college preparation. Through partnerships with regional companies and utilities, we work to improve facility sustainability and expand access to technology for underserved youth and local businesses, as well as host international-caliber tournaments, including the Association of Tennis Professionals, Women’s Tennis Association, and junior events that elevate San Diego on the global stage.
Barnes Tennis Center is set to host 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships. What is the significance of this moment?
Hosting the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships at the Barnes Tennis Center is a monumental moment—not just for our organization, but for San Diego’s tourism industry and national sports reputation.
This prestigious event will bring tens of thousands of players, fans, vendors, and media professionals to our region, injecting millions into the local economy and continuing to position San Diego as a premier destination for high-profile racquet sport events. For Youth Tennis San Diego, this will allow us to showcase our mission to a national audience, elevate community engagement, and generate funding and awareness to support our youth access initiatives.
The championships underscore San Diego’s role in the future of racquet sports. We’re not only keeping up with the evolution of pickleball—we’re leading it.
What is on the horizon?
2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and impactful years yet for Youth Tennis San Diego and the Barnes Tennis Center. We invite San Diego to join us at one of our upcoming events, including the Major League Pickleball Playoffs and USTA Billie Jean King National Championships in August, the Wimbledon-Chic Gala in October, and the Impact Cup Pickleball this fall.
Through our long-standing partnership with Price Philanthropies, the USTA Foundation, and the City of San Diego, we continue to operate a National Junior Tennis and at Urban Village in City Heights, providing free tennis, education, and life skills for youth in one of San Diego’s most diverse and vibrant communities.
From hosting national championships to building grassroots programs, we will continue to focus on one goal: Creating opportunities through sport that last a lifetime.
Read more about EDC’s investors in our investor spotlight blog series, and join the Youth Tennis San Diego, Barnes Tennis Center and 150 investors committed to supporting the region’s inclusive economic development by becoming a member of EDC.
Interested in publishing an investor spotlight? Contact our team:
Enya Castañeda
Coordinator, Investor Relations & Marketing Communications