Boots on the Court
Bringing the game of tennis to military bases for active-duty members, spouses, children, and veterans.
Legacy
A tennis legacy, now part of Beneath the Service
After many years of hosting charity events and fundraising for foundations, Dick and Liz Stockton created Boots on the Court®. They traveled to military bases to offer free tennis clinics to active personnel, spouses, children, and veterans. In 2026 the program joined Beneath the Service to continue its mission of supporting the journeys of the military community.
Founded
2008
Cost
Free
to all participants
Audiences
4
active, spouses, kids, vets
Now
BtS Program
acquired in 2026
What We Do
How a clinic works
Boots on the Court brings professional tennis instruction directly to military installations, free of charge, for the entire base community.
On-Base Clinics
We travel to your base — no travel burden on military families. We set up on your courts and bring the instruction to you.
All Levels, All Ages
Beginner-friendly instruction alongside seasoned players. Kids, spouses, and veterans all share the courts together.
Pro Instruction
World-class athletes and coaches lead drills, games, and play — the same caliber of teaching that has defined the program since 2008.
Community Day
A celebration as much as a clinic. Open to the whole base, the day builds connection and morale beyond the tennis court.
Who It Serves
Free and open to the whole base
Active-Duty Personnel
Military Spouses
Military Children
Veterans
Voices from the Court
What bases are saying
Testimonials from Boots on the Court events at Fort Jackson.
The Boots on the Court event was one of the most enjoyable days my wife and I have had at Fort Jackson over the past two years. The team was professional, talented, entertaining, informative and simply amazing. I have never stood that close to a Wimbledon Champion in my life or been instructed by such incredible athletes. We may not have produced any future USTA champions, but we could have, or at least planted some seeds for a lifetime of enjoyment and fun in tennis. We can't wait to do it again!!
Colonel Mark Bieger
Commander, 171st Infantry Brigade, Fort Jackson, United States Army
The staff was absolutely amazing with my kids, and it was such a wonderful experience to watch them pick up a whole new skill right there on base. I didn't have to drive anywhere off base for an activity, which made it so easy for our family. Honestly, Boots on the Court was the best event that has come to our base in the two years we've been stationed here.
Megan
Military Parent
"Start where you are. Use what you have.
Do what you can."
Arthur Ashe
American tennis champion
Get Involved
Bring Boots on the Court to your base
For Bases & Commands
Request a free tennis clinic at your military installation. We coordinate with base leadership to schedule a community day for your service members and families.
Request a ClinicFor Supporters
Your gift keeps every clinic free for military families. Boots on the Court is now funded under Beneath the Service, so your donation directly supports clinics on base.
Donate Now
Bring Boots on the Court to your base
We work with base commands and coordinators to schedule free tennis clinics for military families. Reach out to start the conversation.
Get in Touch