The “Return The Serve Fun Day Presented By Chase” event returns to Southern California for the fifth straight year on Friday, July 13, at StubHub Center in Carson.

First Break Academy, in partnership with JP Morgan Chase Bank and the USTA Foundation, will serve as the local L.A. host of the event, which is a celebration of Chase’s continued commitment to the USTA Foundation and to the National Junior Tennis & Learning Network. The USTA announced recently that the USTA Foundation, in partnership with Chase, is contributing $150,000 total to 10 NJTL chapters nationwide.

First Break Academy based in Carson was one of the 10 NJTL programs awarded a $15,000 grant from the USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the USTA.

Friday’s event, one of 10 that will take place in cities across the nation, will feature high-energy and fun tennis activities, off-court educational opportunities, and a healthy lunch for the youth participants of the NJTL programs, along with their families. In addition, the event will include a check presentation to the NJTL chapter leaders by a local Chase representative.

ATP World Tour stars Steve Johnson and Jared Donaldson and WTA star Nicole Gibbs will be on-hand helping with the clinics and taking part in games and other activities. Johnson’s teammate at USC Daniel Nguyen is also committed to participate. Johnson and Nguyen teamed to win four consecutive NCAA team titles for the Trojans from 2009-2012.

“Chase continues to serve as an outstanding supporter of our charitable mission,” said Dan Faber, Executive Director, USTA Foundation. “The increase in grant funding speaks volumes about Chase’s commitment to the communities we serve. This incredible five-year partnership has truly enhanced our ability to help under-resourced youth with impactful tennis and education programs.”

“As a sponsor of the US Open for 37 years, we’re proud to support the USTA Foundation and its NJTL programs’ mission to help today’s youth build confidence, camaraderie, and ultimately pursue their dreams,” said Kate Schoff, Executive Director for Sports and Entertainment at JPMorgan Chase.

First Break Academy co-founders Rick Buchta, Peggy Bott and Marc Lucero will lead the day’s events. First Break Academy was named the USTA Southern California Section’s Community Organization Service Award winner in 2017.

Friday’s schedule includes:
9 a.m.: Zumba full-body dynamic warm-up.
10 a.m.: Opening Ceremonies and brief welcome.
Note: National Anthem will be sung by Caris Shelton with DAS Models.
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.: Tennis games, music, dance, and fitness led by EXOS.
12 p.m. to 1 p.m.: Dunk Tank, games and hit for prizes. Note: lunch will be provided.
Note: Check presentation will take place at 12:15 p.m. PT.