Empowering NYC Youth Through Sport, Mentorship & Community
Youth programs that build confidence, belonging & leadership beyond the court.
Who We Are
The Village League empowers Bronx youth through free tennis and mentorship. We transform local parks and community courts into welcoming spaces where young people build skills, confidence, and lasting connections-on and off the court.
Our free programs combine tennis instruction with mentorship, wellness support, and social-emotional learning. Through consistent coaching and positive relationships, participants develop discipline, teamwork, and belonging.
We believe every young person deserves access, encouragement, and a village behind them as they grow.
Join us today! Sign up for a program, reach out with questions at hello@thevillageleague.org, or support our mission with a donation. Together, we can empower the next generation - one serve at a time.
It takes a village to raise a champion.
The Village League Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation incorporated in the state of New York.
The Leadership Lineup
Nija Perry
Nija Perry founded The Village League to ensure every Bronx kid has access to the confidence, community, and opportunities that tennis gave her. With 15+ years leading operations in luxury hospitality and a deep belief in sport as a tool for transformation, she built The Village League to meet young people where they are, on public courts, with trained coaches and mentors who see their potential.
Founder & Executive Director
Philip Butler
Philip Butler serves as Treasurer of The Village League, overseeing financial strategy and accountability. He is the Founder and CEO of MbeleMed, a device-agnostic cardiac rhythm screening platform built to detect silent arrhythmias in high-risk Medicare Advantage populations. A Wharton MBA and former private equity investor, he previously led the acquisition and board oversight of a remote cardiac monitoring company, where he helped incubate the pay-on-detection model now powering MbeleMed. His work sits at the intersection of preventive cardiology, value-based care economics, and health equity.
Treasurer
Victoria Fabio
Victoria Fabio is a People & Culture professional with expertise in organizational development, talent strategy, and leadership engagement. She brings a strong foundation in building healthy, mission-driven environments. As Secretary, Victoria oversees board governance documentation and supports board development, helping ensure The Village League maintains a strong and collaborative leadership structure.
Secretary
Elena Ayot
Elena Ayot serves as Board Chair of The Village League. As a Senior VP at Citi, she brings deep expertise in governance, risk management, and ethical leadership. Elena is passionate about building strong institutions that operate with integrity and accountability. She guides the board in ensuring The Village League grows responsibly while staying rooted in its mission to serve youth across New York City.
Chair
