Youth Foundation Spotlight: First Tee of Raritan Valley

KENILWORTH, N.J. – Each year the New Jersey State Golf Association (NJSGA) Youth Foundation supports deserving youth golf and sports-related programs throughout the state of New Jersey. This support is provided through grants, which are awarded following the Youth Foundation Pro-Am, a four-player team event that’s hosted prior to the New Jersey Open Championship each year.

Another Youth Foundation grant recipient, the First Tee of Raritan Valley is one of the premiere First Tee organizations in the Northeast. Through their programming, kids build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges.

With the assistance of the grant, the First Tee of Raritan Valley has been budgeted the opportunity to continue education for coaches, help support access to the golf course for teen participants, and help launch the Junior Coach program for 2023, all integral parts to the thriving program.  

“The NJSGA Youth Foundation’s commitment to First Tee - Raritan Valley will have a significant impact on our chapter and our ability to reach young people in our service area,” explained Mark McCabe, Executive Director & First Tee Coach. “This support will allow us to expand our reach and impact, engaging young people in programs that will yield tangible academic and social benefits. We are incredibly grateful for the support.”

For the 2022 season, the First Tee of Raritan Valley impacted over 700 kids in 2022 through spring, summer, and fall classes and summer camps across nine programming locations. Many of the participants come from low to middle-income families and cannot afford a set of golf clubs or golf bags.

“At First Tee – Raritan Valley, we’re Building Game Changers by empowering kids and teens to be the best version of themselves,” said McCabe. “By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with character-building, we create learning experiences that help kids uncover their inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that they can carry to everything they do. Our trained coaches not only provide an introduction to junior golf and an opportunity to enhance golf skills, but they also create a safe, supportive, and empowering environment to help your child prepare for life ahead, including friendships, school, college and even their careers.”

The Youth Foundation has continued to provide grants to sports-related programs. In July, the Youth Foundation will host its annual Pro-Am at Hackensack Golf Club on July 19.

To learn more about the First Tee – Raritan Valley, click HERE.

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