The origin of the New York Junior Tennis League (NYJTL) is rooted in the founding of the National Junior Tennis League in New York City by Arthur Ashe, Charles Pasarell, Eugene Scott and Sheridan Snyder in 1969 as a way to interest city kids in tennis. Over the course of its 39 year history, NYJTL has revolutionized the sport of tennis, making tennis a possibility for every youngster no matter what their economic or ethnic background. This program developed into the NYJTL in 1970. It was incorporated in 1974 as a not-for-profit corporation and received 501 (c) (3) charity status from the Internal Revenue Service in 1975.

Its mission is to provide to New York City youngsters, through the sport of tennis: character development, physical conditioning, social skills development, learning disciplines, and educational opportunities. NYJTL offers free school and community tennis and education programs throughout New York’s five boroughs.To reach its goals, NYJTL mobilizes the support of the community, corporate citizens, foundations, organizations and individuals who are committed to achieving net gains for kids.

At a time when there is a critical shortage of structured in-school sports programs, the NYJTL provides opportunities for informal social interaction with good role models in a safe place. Through the sport of tennis, NYJTL is offering these youngsters a meaningful alternative to the negative street culture facing them everyday, and giving them an integrated program to develop academic, social, physical and recreational skills.

Moreover, by making school fun as they learn the skill of tennis and by providing peer counseling, homework clubs, SAT tutoring and scholarship opportunities, the NYJTL is an important factor in maintaining the interest of the youngsters in attending school. In doing so, the League is building a strong educational support system utilizing the instrument of tennis. In 2007 & 2008, NYJTL students received over $4,800,000 in annual aid and scholarships.

A continuing partnership between the City, the State and private donors enables the League to offer city kids one of the finest community tennis programs in the world.

To learn more about us, please visit our website. www.nyjtl.org