About

Our
Mission

The Net Gains Foundation (NGF) works to harness the power of tennis as a catalyst for lifelong health and wellness, personal and professional growth, character-driven leadership, and cause-oriented service. 

Current Initiatives

NGF is a nonprofit effort that undertakes mission-driven events and special initiatives to catalyze philanthropic action and impact. It does not accept unsolicited grant proposals.


NGF's flagship initiatives include:


(1) THE TENNIS CONGRESS 

The Tennis Congress creates unique opportunities for passionate adult amateur tennis athletes to gain world-class education and training and be part of a nurturing community of players and professionals striving to achieve their personal best, on court and off.   Tennis Congress events aim to: 

 

  • Inspire active, healthy lifestyles and longevity through tennis 
  • Enlarge a supportive community of tennis athletes of all ages marked by camaraderie and outstanding sportsmanship
  • Enable individuals from underserved communities to participate in inspiring, life-changing events  
  • Promote and spark innovation in tennis education and training
  • Inspire philanthropy, service, and giving back
  • Raise funds for NGF charitable activities and grantmaking

 


(2) THE RISE PROJECT

Launched in 2023, The Rise Project features a competitive scholarship program to help promising “rising” ATP and WTA players of exceptional character outside the Top 100 so they can: 

  • Reduce financial-related stress and distractions
  • Free up precious time and energy for training
  • Invest in high-quality coaching and training-related resources
  • Feel more supported along their journeys
  • Get inspired to give back and “pay it forward” later as their careers evolve


Leadership

Gary Innes

Executive Director 


Gary Innes was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa where his passion for tennis started. Gary competed at a high level as a junior and earned a tennis  scholarship at Walsh University in Ohio. Through tennis, Gary had access to opportunities that would never have been possible such as achieving a college degree, traveling the world, meeting his wife and many amazing friends along the way. The passion Gary has for tennis is because it is a sport that builds communities, it provides healthy outlets and has the ability to provide you with the tools to overcome the variety of life's challenges. Based on his love for tennis and coaching, after graduating, Gary chose tennis coaching as his career path. As the Executive Director of the Net Gains Foundation Gary shares his love for the game with people of all ages and abilities and helps others improve their lives through tennis. 

Feisal Hassan

Director of Education


Feisal Hassan is a USPTA and RPT Master Professional, currently serving as President of the USPTA. He is also a member of the Head/Penn Racquet Sports National Advisory Board and National Speaker’s Bureau and holds USPTA specialist degrees in Competitive Player Development, Facility Management, Sports Science and 10 and Under Tennis. In addition, Feisal is on the USTA National Faculty for Youth Coaching, is a TIA Cardio Tennis Trainer, and co-chairs the USPTA National Education and Testing committees. In 2011, Hassan was named USPTA’s Alex Gordon Professional of the Year and won the Racquet Sports Industry Champions of Tennis Award. The following year he was named to the USPTA Mid-Atlantic Hall of Fame and won the USPTA George Bacso National Tester of the Year Award. Feisal was also the Director of Coaches’ Education and Junior Davis Cup Team Coach for Tennis Zimbabwe.

P.J. Simmons

Founder, Volunteer Advisory Board Chair


P.J. Simmons is a self-professed Tennisaholic who didn’t start playing until relatively late in life, despite being infatuated with the sport since his youth. His passion lies in helping people of all ages enrich their lives through tennis. P.J. strives to bring the same energy, enthusiasm & impact to the tennis community that he has brought to the global sustainability arena for nearly two decades. He is co-founder and Chair of the Corporate Eco Forum, one of the world’s preeminent networks for senior sustainability executives from Fortune 500 companies. He has also held senior positions at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and the Clinton Global Initiative. P.J. is the proud recipient of the 2016 PTR/Tennis Industry Association “Commitment to the Industry” Award.