How Mia Steenkamp is using tennis to uplift underprivileged youth
Mia Ramin Steenkamp.
Image: Supplied
A 17-year-old student at the American International School of Cape Town is empowering impoverished youth using tennis, in a project founded by herself called ACE - Access, Confidence and Empowerment.
Armed with her racket and ball skills, Mia Ramin Steenkamp joined hands with Gloria Veale, the founder of “Balls Not Guns,” which aims to keep underprivileged children away from violence using sports.
Every Saturday, Steenkamp runs her programme at the Plumstead Tennis Club, where a group of children from the Victoria Lodge informal settlement gather.
Children from the Victoria Lodge informal settlement play tennis at the Plumstead Tennis Club on a Saturday.
Image: Supplied
“Many grow up in environments plagued by poverty, with limited access to education, and the constant presence of violence.
"These kids often lack safe spaces to play, learn, and dream,” said Steenkamp.
“With South Africa’s youth unemployment rate exceeding 60%, countless young people fall into cycles of gang involvement, drugs, or destructive behaviours simply because they lack alternatives. Without intervention, these cycles of violence, abuse, and poverty persist. But there is hope.”
Eager to assist Veale, Steenkamp said she offered to teach the children tennis for free.
“In August 2024, I met Gloria Veale, the founder of Balls Not Guns.
“This organisation uses ball sports as a tool to steer underprivileged youth away from violence through free training sessions, mentorship programmes, and donated equipment.
"I offered Gloria to start a tennis programme. This is where I chose to act and make my personal impact.
“My programme is simple. Every Saturday morning, I start my day on the tennis court at Plumstead Tennis Club, coaching tennis to a group of wonderful children from Victoria Lodge."
Steenkamp has a passion for tennis, describing it as a tool and an answer for many social ills because it teaches discipline and resilience.
“When I was thinking about my service-learning project, my heart brought me to the place that has given me so much – tennis.
"I have been training and competing since the age of 8. Tennis has taught me discipline, perseverance, respect, and has given me many moments of joy,” she told the Cape Argus.
“This is what I wanted to give back to the children of my community. This is how I want to make a difference. I step in to offer something simple yet powerful—a chance to play, to belong, and to grow through the sport of tennis.”
“Shoes, clothes, and gear? I regularly collect donations from people I know in my tennis world, and all the children received sports shoes, tennis gear, and clothes. So yes – tennis. Tennis isn’t just about hitting a ball. It teaches focus, patience, and problem-solving—life skills that can transform these children’s futures.
Children are taught tennis for free.
Image: Supplied
Steenkamp said a simple act can change these childrens' path and makes sure she fills their stomachs before they hit the courts.
“Before every Saturday session, I give the children a full breakfast. Watching how much they appreciate this simple act has opened my eyes to the broader struggles they face daily. It’s a reminder that while sports can uplift and inspire, addressing basic needs like hunger is crucial. A full stomach allows these children to focus, dream, and engage fully."
ACE, Access, Confidence and Empowerment students.
Image: Supplied
Veale acknowledges the impact made by Steenkamp.
“Mia has consistently worked with these children from the informal settlements.
“Children living there have very little to do with regards to social engagements and fun, remembering that sports teaches discipline and team building,” she said.
“Mia did not just come with tennis; she came with the equipment, clothing, and in the last year, she introduced a birthday club, celebrating children’s birthdays, which is unknown in poor communities. She has planted the seed of love.”