Pickleball players in Tucson will start the new year by gathering to support the Salvation Army Tucson Amphi Corps Community Center. The Saguaro Slam Pickleball Tournament, set for Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club, aims to raise $20,000 to benefit after-school programs and summer camps for local children. This pickleball event will take place at 4001 N. Country Club Road, offering a fun way for players and spectators to contribute to a community cause.
Capitalizing on Pickleball’s Popularity
Event chair Ryan Maese, a passionate pickleball player, sees the tournament as the perfect fit for the growing pickleball trend.
“We were looking for something out of the box, and we put two and two together and thought, ‘Let’s capitalize on the pickleball craze.’ People can play pickleball from ages 8 to 80 — everyone likes it, and it is very inclusive. We are seeing tournaments pop up throughout the city, so we thought it would be cool to try.” – (Ryan Maese)
Maese, a former teacher turned land search specialist at KB Home, serves on the Advisory Council for the Amphi Corps, one of Tucson’s three Salvation Army branches. Alongside his work with the Salvation Army Hospitality House and All Nations locations, Maese’s volunteer commitment grew after COVID, driven by his passion for helping kids.
“The Salvation Army really does ‘boots-on-the-ground’ work, feeding and clothing people and providing after-school programs and summer programs for kids.” – (Ryan Maese)
New Developments and Growth in Community Programs
The Amphi Corps Community Center, now with an upgraded Splash Pad Park featuring a splash pad, turf game area, and covered playground, is finding new ways to expand its impact. Brent Church, co-captain of the Amphi Corps with his wife Kristy, emphasized the center’s vision.
“When we talk with community members and leaders and reach out to parents in the community, there is so much we want to expand upon what we do. … We have seen exponential growth in our programs.” – (Church)
The center’s After School Program, serving local schools like Amphitheater Middle and Holloway Elementary, provides care five days a week for $50 per student monthly, with music, sports, and snacks included. Summer camps offer similar programming, and students can access free open gym time every Wednesday.
“I have seen a real 360-degree view of the work the Salvation Army does and I am pretty impressed. This neighborhood is underserved, and anything we can do to help — from the playground and splash pad to families receiving food boxes and just having a safe place for the kids to be after school so they don’t have to worry about where to do their homework or what they will have to eat at night — is so important.” – (Ryan Maese)
Longtime Volunteers Driving Impact
For over three decades, volunteer Donal Drayne has dedicated his time to the Amphi Corps, witnessing firsthand the impact these programs have on neighborhood children.
“We want to focus on the growth of the kids with our programs. We are their safe haven. We have to make them feel wanted and feel that they are important and we do that by building inner confidence.” – (Donal Drayne)
As a former catering manager at the Westin La Paloma Resort, he became involved after realizing the need at Amphi Corps.
“I saw what was going on at the Amphi Corps and it is a whole different world from Prince and Stone to La Paloma Resort. I knew immediately, ‘This is where the need is, and I need to be involved,’ and I never get tired of it. I love engaging the kids and giving them the opportunity to talk about different cultures and be open-minded.” – (Donal Drayne)
Drayne’s commitment reflects the broader mission of the Salvation Army. He recalled one program alum who, now a successful businessperson, credits the After School Programs for shaping his life. Drayne’s hope is that every child leaves feeling empowered.
“I want kids to leave with positive thoughts in their minds and realize that, ‘Just because of my background, I shouldn’t sell myself short.’” – (Donal Drayne)
News in Brief: Saguaro Slam Pickleball Tournament
The Saguaro Slam Pickleball Tournament, happening Jan. 18 at Tucson Racquet & Fitness Club, aims to raise $20,000 for the Salvation Army Tucson Amphi Corps Community Center. Funds will support after-school and summer programs benefiting local children. Organized by event chair Ryan Maese, the pickleball event taps into Tucson’s pickleball popularity to rally community support.
The Amphi Corps offers diverse programs, including free weekly open gym time, aiming to create a safe and supportive environment for kids. Longtime volunteer Donal Drayne emphasizes the center’s role as a “safe haven” for children in underserved neighborhoods.
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