When Amal first arrived at the tennis court in her village, she stood quietly at the edge,
watching from a distance. Tennis was a sport she had never tried, and in her community,
few girls had the opportunity to play. But something about the rhythm of the game, the
sound of rackets striking balls, and the energy on the court drew her in.
One of our coaches noticed her curiosity and gently invited her to pick up a racket. It was
a moment that changed everything.
From that day on, Amal became a regular at our after-school tennis and homework club.
She started with the basics—learning how to hold the racket, how to move her feet, how
to serve. Over time, her skills improved, but more importantly, so did her confidence.
“Tennis gave me something to look forward to every week,” Amal says. “I learned to
believe in myself.
” Now in her teens, Amal not only plays in local matches but also mentors younger children
just starting out. She takes pride in helping others, especially girls like her, find their place
on the court.
At the Freddie Krivine Initiative, stories like Amal’s are at the heart of what we do. Our
programs are designed to bring together Arab and Jewish children through sport,
breaking down social and cultural barriers in the process. Whether it’s at a summer
camp, a shared society tournament, or a local club, we create spaces where children
can grow, lead and connect.
Since 2000, we’ve worked with over 10,000 children across Israel. Many come from
marginalized or under-resourced communities where opportunities are scarce. We focus
on providing access, mentorship and safe spaces—ensuring that every child, regardless
of background, has a chance to thrive.
Amal’s journey is just one of many. It reminds us that real change often begins with small
moments: a child picking up a racket, a coach offering encouragement, a game played
between two new friends.
And for Amal, the future is bright. She dreams of becoming a certified coach and starting
her own club one day—one where every child feels seen, supported and empowered to
shine.