Help Me Give Back: Tennis & Opportunity for Liberia

My name is Alfred Saah Kandakai Jr. I was born in Liberia and started playing tennis at age five in a refugee camp in Ghana. We had no proper courts, no gear, and no real support but we had passion.

I was lucky. My father was my first coach, and that saved us money on lessons we couldn’t afford. He believed in me when tennis seemed out of reach.

At age 13, I left everything I knew - my family, my friends, and my home—to come to the United States for a better future. I trained at Academia Sánchez-Casal in Barcelona and Florida. I also received help from Mamba Point Hotel and NJTL of Trenton, who gave me the support and equipment I needed.

It was hard being in a new country, even though I had family here like my mom. I still felt alone and missed home every day. But I stayed focused and used that struggle to push forward.

Now, I run AlSaah Tennis Academy in West Windsor, New Jersey. Our program helps young athletes build skill, character, and confidence.

But I haven’t forgotten where I came from.

In January 2026, I plan to go back to Liberia to launch the AlSaah Tennis Academy – Liberia Initiative.

The goal is to give kids in Liberia the same chance I had. Your support will help us:

Provide rackets, shoes, balls, and other gear

Offer coaching and mentorship

Fix and build tennis courts

Create travel opportunities for competition

I know what it’s like to dream without access. I know how much just one opportunity can change a life.