At First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, we believe the game of golf can open doors far beyond the course. Through our partnership with The Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation (GVPF), we are creating new opportunities for Philadelphia youth to build confidence, develop life skills and discover their potential.
Founded by South African golf legend Gary Player and established in the United States in 2021, The Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation honors the memory of Gary’s wife Vivienne Player and continues the lifelong mission she and Gary shared: providing vulnerable children with safe, nurturing environments where they can learn, grow and thrive. With Gary Player’s continued support, their daughter, Amanda-Leigh Player Hall, serves as the Foundation’s President and Executive Director who leads its work to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
In Fall 2026, GVPF launched its newest initiative in Philadelphia, PLAE — The Player Academy of Excellence. PLAE is an innovative out-of-school-time academy designed to help underserved youth build confidence, literacy, leadership, wellness and essential life skills through structured pathways for growth. Amanda-Leigh Player Hall is the PLAE Chairperson of the Board. The program launched at Northeast Community Propel Academy, where it is providing students with new opportunities to learn and thrive beyond the classroom.
Through our partnership with GVPF and First Tee — Greater Philadelphia’s Access to Golf (A2G) program, students from Northeast Community Propel Academy in grades K–8 are now welcomed weekly to our John F. Byrne Golf Course. Each week, 20 Propel Academy students participate in an after-school experience that combines golf and First Tee’s life-skills curriculum with transportation and a meal, creating a supportive and enriching environment where students can learn, connect and grow while providing critical after school supervision.
Together, GVPF and First Tee — Greater Philadelphia are using the game of golf as a vehicle for something much bigger: helping young people develop the confidence, character and skills they need to navigate life and reach their full potential.
We are grateful to the Gary and Vivienne Player Foundation for their partnership and shared commitment to expanding meaningful out-of-school opportunities for Philadelphia youth. Together, we are helping build Game Changers—on the course and in life.
