Declan Matthews
Founder & Ambassador Lead
Meet Declan Matthews - a 15-year-old tennis player with a passion for the game and an even bigger heart for giving back.
What began as kitchen-table conversations with his parents about how to make a difference quickly grew into something much larger. Through his own years on the court, Declan came to realize that tennis had given him so much more than a skill or a sport. It taught him discipline, confidence, and resilience. It introduced him to lifelong friendships and mentors who shaped who he is today. But he also saw that not every child has the same chance to pick up a racquet, learn the game, or experience the community tennis can offer. That awareness sparked the idea that would become the Love 15 Tennis Foundation.
From day one, Declan has been involved in every part of the journey - from shaping the foundation's mission and collaborating with designers on the branding and website, to working alongside attorneys and accountants to earn 501(c)(3) status. What started as an idea at 13 years old grew into a mission he pursued with focus and determination. In Declan's own words: "Building Love 15 taught me that creating something meaningful takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work. But if you truly believe in your mission, it's worth every step. I want every child to have the chance to experience the confidence, friendships, and opportunities that tennis has given me."
Love 15 was founded with one simple goal: to make tennis more accessible to kids who might not otherwise have the chance to learn and play. Through donations of new and gently used equipment, community partnerships, volunteer coaches, and youth Ambassadors, the foundation works to bring tennis programs to underserved children in schools and communities.
But Love 15 is about more than tennis. It's about building confidence, creating community, encouraging leadership, and showing young people that they can make an impact at any age. Declan believes young athletes have the power to inspire real change, and the foundation gives teens the opportunity to step in as Ambassadors, volunteers, mentors, and advocates for the sport they love.
Whether you donate equipment, volunteer your time, sponsor a program, or simply help spread the mission, you become part of something bigger - helping open doors for the next generation through tennis. At Love 15, we believe every child deserves the chance to step onto the court, discover their potential, and fall in love with the game. Together, we're serving up opportunities for all.
