Category: Type

FSTV Trainings for Adult & Junior Coaches

(FSTV Trainings for Adult & Junior Coaches Published 4/2/2026) Each off-season, FTSV hosts a training for our Instructors (paid) and Volunteer Coaches. These trainings take place the weekend before each season begins and offer both new and returning coaches and volunteers alike the opportunity to expand their coaching techniques and grow as leaders within FTSV. Our instructor training usually takes place in the morning, and our volunteer training occurs in the afternoon.

However, this past season we tried a new approach, one where we combined the instructors with the adult volunteers in one training session on Saturday, March 14th. The goal was to have our coaches meet each other and build new connections. We are fortunate to have over 230 coaches, but when they sign up for a class, they are together with their same small cohort for the 8-week season and often do not get to meet many of our other coaches. This training brought close to 60 of our adult coaches together and created opportunities for them to learn from each other.

The first section of the training highlighted our volunteer coach of the year, Alex Wrobel.

The second section focused on developing conversational skills and how to be effective listeners. The third section focused on how to seamlessly integrate our life skills into activities. The last section was a lunch where everyone spent time connecting.

FTSV is about teaching life skills and positive character through golf. We bring this same philosophy to our coaches. Our quarterly trainings are based on the four main building blocks of First Tee chapters nationwide (Empowering Youth, Mastery Driven, Activity Based, and Continuous Learning) taking a deep dive into each building block. The goal is to give coaches practice with specific coaching techniques that we learn from partner organizations like Positive Coaching Alliance and the Search Institute as well as from other outside research-based sources.

“We are fortunate to have so many great people coaching our youth,” says FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt. “We hope that trainings like this one provide everyone with feeling like they are a part of something meaningful and big.”

FTSV coaches are the backbone of our program. They are the mentors that guide our participants and help them feel welcomed. We want them to always be learning and feel empowered to help others, which is why we ask our coaches to attend all 4 coach trainings each year.  From everyone in the FTSV office, thank you very much to all our amazing coaches!

FSTV Junior Volunteer Coach Training

On March 14th, FTSV hosted a Junior Volunteer coach training at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. The goal was to tailor the training for our high school volunteers by tying in the curriculum from our Ace – Give Back class.

We had over 135 junior volunteers in 2025. Most of them were/are FTSV participants who looked up to their junior coach when they were younger. Now that they are in high school, they are excited that it is their turn to give back and inspire the younger generation.

The training gave coaches various tools to be successful in leading our participants. We focused on professionalism as it relates to body language, tone, and engagement. Then we covered how to go above and beyond in their coach planning and preparation. Lastly, we explored the differences between mentoring and friendship.

“Coaching is about giving back, but it is also a great tool for personal development. We are thrilled to have so many junior coaches on this journey. We could not do what we do without our large team of junior coaches. We hope that coaching is giving them a skill set that will assist them in their future careers.” – FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt.

From everyone in the FTSV office, thank you very much to all our amazing coaches!

To find out more about how to be a FTSV Coach, please click here. Please tell a friend, colleague, or family member that we are looking for positive and dedicated coaches.

First Tee National: Level 1 Coach Training Recap

(First Tee National: Level 1 Coach Training Recap Published 4/02/2026) On March 7th, First Tee – Silicon Valley had 8 coaches participate in a Level 1 coach training. The Level 1 training is one of four First Tee National trainings that make up the First Tee Coach Program – educational training that prepares First Tee coaches from around the country to effectively deliver the First Tee’s Life Skills and Golf Skills Curriculum.

Level 1 training is done locally, and Levels 2, 3, and 4 are held at different locations around the country. FTSV Program Director, Chris Moreno-Hunt and FTSV Program Coordinator, Manny Gallardo are both trained to deliver the Level 1 training for First Tee – Silicon Valley as Level 4 certified coaches and as long-time program staff – over 25 years combined.

The Training Program is primarily focused on creating experiences for coaches to learn the application of the Coach Building Blocks – Activity-Based, Mastery Driven, Empowering Youth, and Continuous Learning. Coach Chris and Manny delivered the Coach Building Block theories and best practices to the attendees who then had the opportunity to apply what they learned by delivering the lessons to each other.

“Coaching is a never-ending learning process,” says Chris Moreno-Hunt. “That’s what makes coaching fun. Each class and participant requires coaches to adapt and apply a structured framework. The Level 1 training provides both. We explore research-based coaching principles while also practicing techniques to meet kids where they are.”

To learn more about becoming a coach and building your coach skill set, please visit our volunteer page, or reach out to [email protected], 408-508-4884

Mentor Spotlight: Meet Coach Blake

(Mentor Spotlight: Meet Coach Blake Published 4/2/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome Coach Blake to our team as our newest Program Coordinator. Blake will be coaching at Baylands Golf Links during the week and at Rancho del Pueblo on Saturdays.

Blake graduated from San Jose State University with a BA in Public Relations. He has extensive leadership experience in people management and customer service across different industries and is a certified NRPGI Golf Instructor.  “I wanted to work for an organization that makes a difference to the younger generation,” says Blake. “I see FTSV as an opportunity to be a positive role model and mentor. Helping kids build confidence and discover their potential is something I find rewarding every day.”

Blake grew up in junior golf programs and played competitive high school golf. As a result, he believes in the importance of programs like FTSV. Since he began working with us in March, he has fully embraced our commitment to life skills and has demonstrated strong leadership skills for our participants and other coaches.

“Coaching with FTSV has given me a new purpose for being a role model to the kids outside of just the game of golf,” says Blake. “I am finding ways to use the life skills in my life everyday as well. It goes to show you ways of living by the motto of ‘practicing what you preach.’”

When asked what FTSV means to him, Blake said, “FTSV means acceptance of who you are as an individual and being in a family-oriented environment. Everyone is welcomed with open arms and no judgment.”

Other than sports, Blake enjoys music, attending live events, and collecting shoes.  

Welcome Blake! We are excited to have you on our team!

If you are interested in becoming more involved with FTSV, please visit our website.

FTSV Junior Coach Appreciation Game Night

(FTSV Junior Coach Appreciation Game Night Published 3/16/26) On Saturday, March 7th FTSV celebrated the commitment of our Junior Volunteer Coaches by bringing them together for an evening of games, food, fun and prizes. Games included a long putt, target chipping, musical chairs, Banana Grams, giant Jenga, giant connect four, and Geoguessr. We are fortunate to have had over 134 Junior Volunteer Coaches in 2025. For many of our Junior Coaches they were, or are, current FTSV participants, who looked up to their own Junior Coaches when they were younger. We couldn’t do what we do without them!

This was the second year FTSV entrusted the planning of the Junior Coach Appreciation event to our Junior Council committee.

Our Junior Council consists of 18-25 high school FTSV participants who meet 3 times each season. They break into 3-4 sub-committees focused on everything from fundraising, marketing, AI app building, and event/tournament coordination. This year was the first year FTSV appointed a Junior Council Sub-Committee Chair and event coordinator.  Julia V, who has been a standout participant and Junior Coach for FTSV, took on this role and did an outstanding job.

Julia said…

“Serving as a Chair of the Junior Sub-Council Committee for FTSV by leading the “Junior Appreciation Event” was an incredible hands-on experience. Being trusted to guide my committee in planning an event entirely run by juniors showed me the power of collaboration and leadership. I’m especially grateful for my committee members, whose dedication made the event possible. Creating an event by Junior Coaches, for Junior Coaches made it feel truly like our own engaging celebration. As I pursue college at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo majoring in Experience and Event Management, I’ll carry forward FTSV’s “Learn by Doing” mindset that made this opportunity so impactful.”

FTSV is proud of the entire Junior Council Appreciation Committee and their hard work to make this a fun night for all our Junior Coaches. Before the close of the evening, the staff honored one Junior Coach with Junior Volunteer Coach of the Year. This year Alonso J was chosen for his leadership, going above and beyond in all of his duties and classes, and most importantly being a person of high character. Congratulations, Alonso, Julia, our Junior Council and all our junior volunteer coaches. You all make our First Tee chapter so impactful.

If you would like to be a volunteer Junior Coach, visit OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE. If you are a teen and would like to participant in the Junior Council, contact [email protected]. Any high school FTSV participant can join the Junior Council.

Adult-Junior Tournament

(Adult-Junior Tournament Published 3/05/26) On Saturday, February 28th, 18 FTSV participants teamed up with adult mentors to compete in our annual 9-hole Adult-Junior Tournament. Many participants paired up with their parents while others joined forces with other family members and relatives. A heartfelt thank you to all the adults who played alongside their participants.

The teams competed in a 2-person alternate shot format, which challenged them to collaborate, communicate, and strategize together. It was great to watch the golfers bond and support one another throughout the tournament. We encourage families to play golf together as it can strengthen their relationships and make for lasting memories.

Long time FTSV participants Brent and Ryan (Father and Son), shared about their experience playing together. “It was a pleasure playing alongside each other in the alternate shot tournament. We had a great time navigating the course together. While Ryan’s golf game is already impressive, spending time with him in tournaments like this really makes the day special. We love The First Tee of Silicon Valley program,” said Brent.

The event wrapped up with families gathering for pizza and awards. It was wonderful to see families connecting, and our FTSV participants forming new friendships. Congratulations to all our participants for competing with respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.

Results

First Place: Luke L. / Rodolfo L.  27

Second Place: Asher A. / Austin A. 35

Third Place: Gwen B. / Stehen M. 39

Long Drive: Adam R. / Robert R. (Almost drove the green)

Closest To the Pin: Audi S. / Ravin S. 12.2 FT

Please save the date for the next pre-season tournament on May 30th. Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.

Annual Kids & Coaches Tournament

(Annual Kids & Coaches Tournament Published 3/05/26) This past Saturday, February 28th, FTSV hosted the “Kids & Coaches Tournament” to officially kick off our 2026 Spring season. With an outstanding turnout of 30 participants—15 players and 15 coaches, including four FTSV Board Members—the exciting event took place at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course.

From the first tee shot to the final putt, the course was filled with positive energy and enthusiasm. Players encouraged one another, and coaches offered high-fives and advice.

The competition concluded with some outstanding performances:

Team Results

🥇 1st Place: Christine, Aaron, Coach Suri
🥈 2nd Place: Mateo, Coach Josh
🥉 3rd Place: Riley, Coach Alexis

Congratulations to all our winners and participants for their hard work and dedication!

In addition to regular play, three on-course contests added to the excitement:

  • Hole 4: Long Drive Contest (Kids)
  • Hole 7: Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge (Kids)
  • Hole 5: Closest-to-the-Pin Challenge (Coaches), featuring a challenging shot over water

Course Contest Results

  • Closest to the Pin (Hole #5): Max VP
  • Closest to the Pin (Hole #7): Ikher
  • Longest Drive (Hole #4 – 12 and older): Aidan

The tournament wasn’t just about scores — it was an opportunity for growth, sportsmanship, and the comradery. The afternoon wrapped up with congratulatory handshakes, high-fives and fist-bumps. Participants and coaches were then treated to a pizza lunch.

Thank you to all the parents, families, and coaches for your unwavering support of the program. Your encouragement and dedication make events like this possible and help our young athletes continue to grow both on and off the course.

We’re already looking forward to the next tournament and another unforgettable day with our First Tee Silicon Valley family! Please save the date for the next pre-season tournament on May 30th.

Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.

Girls Golf Sanrio Play Day

( Girls Golf Sanrio Play Day Published 3/05/26) 15 Participants came out on a warm Saturday morning February 28th and created memories, built friendships, and enjoyed the camaraderie that comes with playing golf. Our Girls Golf events are designed to create a safe space for participants to be themselves and develop friendships with others. We hold 4 Girls Golf events throughout the year. This season’s theme featured the colorful characters of Sanrio.

On the first hole, participants hit from the tee-box until they made it to the green. Then they had to navigate through the Sanrio Maze. Each section was a “town” owned by a different character, ending at the Hello Kitty hole at the end.

Next, they were faced with a creative chipping challenge. Each participant had to chip towards a different Hello Kitty cut-out and if they hit the apples out of her hand, they won a fun prize.

On the back portion of the game course, players spun the wheel which determined how they would hit the ball. The wheel had hitting styles based on each Sanrio character, for example, “Gudetama” meant you had to hit very lazy-like.

On the last hole, participants had some fun bunker practice. Each player took turns trying to hit the ball out of the sand over the Sanrio cut-outs.

To end the day, all Girls Golf participants and coaches were treated with pizza and fun rainbow black scratch paper to draw their favorite Sanrio characters.

Special thanks to the Junior Council Girls Golf planning committee and coaches: Natalie, Jennifer, Vian, Varnika, Dahlia, Julia and Vikrant.

To learn more about FTSV’s Girls Golf, please contact Manny Gallardo – [email protected] or 408-508-4887. Please save the date for the next Girls Golf on May 30th. Click here to learn more about our tournaments and other opportunities.

NEW Staff Spotlight: Beth Williams

( NEW Staff Spotlight: Beth Williams Published 3/05/26) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome Beth Williams to our team as our new Development Director. Beth will be planning, organizing, and directing all of FTSV’s fundraising efforts and working closely with FTSV’s Board of Directors, President & CEO, and Marketing Coordinator.

“We are thrilled to now have Beth as part of our core staff,” said George Maxe, FTSV President & CEO. “She brings over 25 years of development experience to build upon the many successes of Judy Deaton in her eight years in the role. (We wish Judy well in her retirement.) Beth is a great fit for our team and our mission to develop youth through the golf.”

Throughout her career, Beth has led comprehensive development programs that include major gifts, annual giving, special events, corporate and foundation partnerships, and long-term relationship building. She brings a donor-centered approach to fundraising, with particular strength in cultivating and stewarding major gifts. Beth enjoys working closely with leadership and board members to identify opportunities, strengthen donor engagement, and align fundraising efforts with organizational goals.

“I am drawn to First Tee’s emphasis on character development, self-confidence, and resilience and look forward to the opportunity to partner with George and the Board of Directors to plan, organize, and direct a development program that supports both current operations and future growth,” said Beth. “I believe my experience, and passion for youth development will allow me to make a meaningful contribution to First Tee — Silicon Valley.”

Beth may reached at [email protected] or 408-508-4881.

Family Clinic at Rancho Del Pueblo

(Family Clinic at Rancho Del Pueblo – Published 2/24/26) Thanks to a generous NCGA REACH grant, FTSV provides affordable, semi-private lessons in addition to our normal classes to a sub-group of participants. The goal is to help more families have access to semi-private lessons and develop a love for the game.

FTSV launched a subsidized, semi-private lesson program in Summer 2024, helping break down the financial barrier that many families face when introducing their children or teens to the game of golf. Only participants who are active FTSV participants that receive financial aid, have participated in at least 2 seasons over the last 2 years, and are in the 3rd grade or higher are eligible for this program. This spring will be our 8th season offering these lessons.

To date, we’ve had 53 participants benefit from the FTSV Semi-Private Lesson program. On Saturday, February 21st we celebrated the participants who took the lessons in 2025 by hosting a Family Clinic at Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course. Participants and members of their families came out and received golf instruction and played games on the driving range and practice green. Participants were excited to show their families what they’ve been learning and were eager to watch their family try out some swings.

More than just a day around the practice area, the Family Clinic offered families…

A chance to build bonds together, have friendly competition, and hopefully become inspired to play golf together as a family in the future. At the end of the clinic, we emailed the families a “how-to” guide on playing golf to help them understand golf jargon and with resources to take up the game as a family. This guide included everything from making tee times, to a list of courses, available discounts, and the basics of course etiquette. We also sent them a link to the Youth on Course card, which offers kids and teens discounts on hundreds of golf courses across California.

We hope the families will continue to support their child’s time in FTSV and in golf.

With this kind of encouragement, and the improvements found through private lessons, participants will develop the confidence and ability to improve as golfers, compete on school teams and in tournaments, and pursue opportunities on and off the course. By supporting our community in this way, we believe golf can be a game that families can share together for many years to come.

Thank you to Coach Felix and Coach Rob for teaching the semi-private lessons over the past 2 years. Thank you to the over 30 participants and family members who joined us at the Family Clinic and continue to be long-standing and engaged members of our organization!

To learn more about FTSV’s Financial Aid program and the Semi-Private Lessons, please contact [email protected], or call 408-508-4884.

FTSV Coach Spotlight: Kathy Hausler

(FTSV Coach Spotlight: Kathy Hausler – Published 2/6/26) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) owes so much of our success to our many wonderful Coaches who are the backbone of our life skill and golf skill programs. This month’s Spotlight highlights one of our standout coaches, Kathy Hausler. Kathy began coaching with us in 2022 and has amassed over 260 volunteer hours. She coaches most of our (4) 8-week seasons year in and year out. Most importantly, she leads by example and positively connects with, and cares for our participants.

Why FTSV is important to her

“Organizations like FTSV are really important to communities,” says Kathy. “The life skills we teach at FTSV help to support what the kids learn at home and at school. The golf experience allows the kids to learn something new or practice what they already know. And, helping them be successful and enjoy the sport can give them more confidence in other sports and interests.”

What she has gained through coaching

“I have appreciated the opportunity to coach, and I think it’s helped me improve my teaching and overall communication skills.”

What her fellow coaches have said about Kathy

“Kathy is an incredible coach. She brings flexibility towards and genuine care for our participants. She is always prepared and makes proper adjustments to the activities to meet each kid’s skill level and engagement. We are so lucky to have her!” – First Tee 2024 Coach of the Year, Manny Gallardo

“Coach Kathy was one of the first coaches I got to learn from when I started with First Tee – Silicon Valley,” says FTSV Program Coordinator, Tanner Riley. “Learning alongside her was invaluable; she has a gift for seamlessly connecting life skills with golf skills in a way that truly sticks with our participants.”

In addition to coaching with us, Kathy coached softball and basketball, volunteered at the Sunnyvale library, at Meals on Wheels, and was a teachers aid.

Thank you, Kathy, for your life-long commitment to giving back to others and making this world a better place!

If you are interested in learning more about how you can get involved with FTSV, click here for our Board page and click here for our Volunteer page. Join people like Kathy who want to make a difference in the lives of youth in our community!

FTSV Summer Season SAVE THE DATE

(FTSV Summer Season SAVE THE DATE – Published 2/5/2026) Summer is just around the corner. Our Summer Class Registration opens April 1st. Mark your calendars and get ready for a season filled with growth, movement, and connection. Learning doesn’t take a break when school lets out, and summer offers a unique opportunity to build new skills, reinforce positive habits, and continue developing confidence in a fun, supportive environment.

In addition to our golf skill curriculum, participants learn important socialization and team-building skills while they build friendships. Summer is more than just staying busy—it’s about continuing to learn, grow, and belong all summer long.

Save the Date!

Registration for our summer season opens on Wednesday, April at 15th and closes on, May 28th at 11:59pm.

Types of Summer Programming:

(7) 4-Day Camps – Begin on June 16th.

  • 3.5-hours per day for 4 straight days (Tues-Fri) – 11am-2:30pm
  • 11am-12:30pm – learn life and golf skills in practice area
  • 1-2:30pm – learn life and golf skills on golf course
  • Equipment provided
  • Camp 1: Grades 2-4 – 6/16-6/19 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
  • Camp 2: Grades 5-6 – 6/23-6/26 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
  • Camp 3: Grades 2-4 – 7/7-7/10 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
  • Camp 4: Grades 2-4 – 7/14-7/17 – Spring Valley Golf Course
  • Camp 5: Grades 7-12 – 7/21-7/24 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
  • Camp 6: Grades 5-6 – 7/28-7/31 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course
  • Camp 7: Grades 2-4 – 8/4-8/7 – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course

8-Week Classes – Summer season begins the week of June 9th and ends August 8th. No classes week of June 30th through July 4th.

  • 1.5-hour per day, same location and time each week for the 8-weeks
  • Classes offerings – Tues through Fri – 4:30-6pm and Sat 9am-3:30pm
  • Locations – Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course (San Jose), Gavilan College Golf Course (Gilroy), Baylands Golf Links (Palo Alto)
Download Class Schedule (English & Español)

Classes are broken down by grade groups, so feel free to invite a friend and take part in our summer classes together.

Financial Assistance Offered. No one is turned away. Need financial assistance to register? Please apply for financial aid when registering. We make our programs accessible to youth of different backgrounds and perspectives and affordable to families experiencing financial hardship.

We encourage youth 2nd grade and above to join our program and ask that you help spread the word. For more information VISIT THE YOUTH PROGRAMS PAGE.

See you at the course!

Summer Class and Camp Inquiry Form

Let us know your level of interest in registering your kid for our Summer Season of classes/camps OR if you have questions about registration.

Name(Required)
Preferred Language(Required)
Your Kid's Grade Group(Required)
Select the grade group for your kids, should you be registering them for the Spring Classes.
Interest Level(Required)
Select your level of interest in enrolling your kid in our program.
Select the course location & Program:(Required)
Each course has different class schedules and availability may be limited.
Let us know if you have any questions or general inquiries. We’re here to help!
Interested in OR in-need of Financial Aid?
Please check this box if you want information about financial aid. NO ONE IS TURNED AWAY. All financial aid inquires are kept confidential. The Process for requesting financial assistance is within the registration process.

Become a Volunteer Coach—Make an Impact That Lasts

(Become a Volunteer Coach—Make an Impact That Lasts – Published 2/5/2026) We are actively recruiting Volunteer Coaches to join First Tee – Silicon Valley for our Spring and Summer 2026 season. We’d love to have you on the course with us.

The spring season runs from March 17th to May 9th and the summer season runs from June 9th through August 8th, with a break from June 30 – July 4 for the Fourth of July holiday week. On-boarding is already underway and must be completed by the end of February for the spring, and by mid-May for the summer, so now is the time to take the first step.

Start Your Journey Now!

As an FTSV Volunteer Coach, you’ll work alongside a team of supportive coaches to deliver our structured life and golf skills curriculum to youth ages 7–17. No prior coaching experience is required—we provide all the training. What matters most is your willingness to mentor, encourage, and model the values that help young people grow both on and off the course.

Your impact goes far beyond golf. Our coaches help participants build character, confidence, and a process-focused mindset that prepares them for challenges in school, relationships, and life.

Volunteering with FTSV also benefits you. Throughout the season, coaches:

  • Develop leadership, communication, and mentoring skills
  • Learn research-backed coaching strategies
  • Receive feedback and support from experienced staff
  • Participate in a dedicated pre-season coach training
  • Become part of a fun and caring coach community

You’ll never coach alone. Every class includes multiple coaches, and collaboration is central to our culture—just as it is in the lessons we teach our participants. We believe in learning together, supporting one another, and continually growing as a team.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back, grow personally, and be part of a positive, mission-driven community, this is your invitation.

👉 Visit our volunteer page to apply today.

We can’t wait to welcome you—and see you on the course. 🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️