The Temple of Tennis intends to spread a little Christmas spirit via a youth equipment drive to aid grassroots players who cannot afford gear or other tennis accessories.The registered charity, whose mission statement is to provide a sustainable formula for tennis development from grassroots to professional level, are appealing to the public to donate items such as sneakers and outfits they may have outgrown or racquets they no longer use.Donated items can be dropped off at Temple of Tennis’ headquarters adjacent to Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton prior to December 13 or other arrangements can be made through Allison Towlson who can be reached at 299-9390.The Temple of Tennis falls under the auspices of Port Royal Tennis Club and according to club president and former top player Ricky Mallory caters to more than just tennis.“It is the only true grassroots facility which functions like a community centre,” he said. “It has become a place of positive social interaction where many come to play, some to watch and others just to have a place to hang out in a positive and productive environment. No one is turned away for lack of ability or funding and we are a unique facility because we allow junior players to simply show up, grab a court and play.“In other countries you’ll find accessible free community tennis courts at various parks and community centres, but with so few courts on the Island tennis has become more about booking courts, paying and logistics. Take football for example, any child can find a free field and kick a ball but there are no such things as free courts. We decided it was time to give tennis back to the community and we want people of all ages and walks of life to have access to courts, equipment and lessons.“We’re hoping to work with the private sector in support of this mission so that we can keep community tennis alive in Bermuda. We hope to make it an annual event, and it costs nothing to run and fits with our philosophy of affordable tennis for all.”The Temple of Tennis is home to many of Bermuda’s former and current top players who also coach, including Steve Bean, Jenson Bascome, Sam Maybury, Gavin Manders and Mallory.“It is the only facility on the Island where coaches often work for free, volunteering their time for the love of the sport,” Mallory said.He said the Temple of Tennis Youth Equipment Drive was specifically designed to help needy grassroots players and is a better alternative to throwing out gear or equipment that can be useful to others.“We all grew up with hand me downs in one way or another and we just wanted to put good equipment to good use rather than throw it out,” he added. “Our executive discussed the idea, but we borrowed the concept from Bermuda Youth Sports Programme.“Our kids played in their programme and they had a boot drive where players could select from good quality used boots without having to spend money. We thought it was a simple but good concept to embrace.”Mallory said the initiative has been warmly received by the general public.“So far we’ve had positive responses and are hoping to see more,” he added. “Given it’s a busy time of the year we may need to extend the deadline for receiving equipment.“Whilst we’ve initiated the drive, it’s important to note it’s open to all juniors regardless of where they play tennis. It’s just our way of trying to bring the tennis community together.”Mallory said that December 17 had been set aside as the date when junior tennis players can obtain any donated tennis equipment or gear at the Temple of Tennis’ headquarters at Port Royal Tennis Club.