What is USTA/NJTL?

The USTA/National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) is a nation-wide network of community tennis organizations seeking to develop the character of young people through tennis and education.  Founded in 1969 by Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell, and Sheridan Snyder, this growing network of tennis providers share similar values, ideals, and goals by:

• reaching out to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play tennis
• instilling in youngsters the values of leadership and academic excellence
• giving all kids (regardless of income, race, gender) the opportunity to fully develop their tennis skills so they can derive a life time of enjoyment from the sport

NJTLs are unique because they offer a variety of on-court programming and also educational and life-skill components designed to enhance a player’s overall development. These educational components are diverse in nature, but can vary from things like mentoring, drug and alcohol counseling, to things like computer skills training, health and nutrition, and college preparation. The NJTL is a great way for kids to get exercise, make friends, and have fun in a team-oriented and safe environment.

This curriculum is offered at little or no cost to the participant.  Many of the costs associated with running a program are decentralized by in-kind and monetary support from the USTA, allowing for local chapters/programs to provide high-quality programming for their constituents. 

With over 520 registered chapters/programs throughout the nation and 200,000 participants aged 6 – 18, chances are there is a program in your community.

NJTL Fact Sheet 
as of 8.9.07

Network
507 Chapters and Pograms
  - 70% Chapters, 30% Programs

2,774 Neighborhood Sites

207,808 Participants
  - 70% Multicultural

6,121 Instructors
  - 29% Multicultural

Where They Play
Urban Sites 44%   
Suburban Sites 33% 
Rural Sites 23%

How Old They Are
Ages < 5,   5%
Ages 6-9,   38%
Ages 10-13, 39%
Ages 14-18,  17%
  
Budget and Program
Total NJTL Network Budget $15,248,145 
Average Budget Per Chapter/Program $30,075 
Average Number of Program Weeks 23
Average Number of Hours per Week 23
  
Social/Life Skills Programs Offered 
Mentoring - 55%
Health/Nutrition -  42%
College/High School Prep. - 21%
Tutorial - 34%
Alcohol/Drug Education - 22%
Computer Training - 18%
Literacy/ English as Second Language - 12%   
Book Club/Reading Club - 19%
  
The Ten Largest National Chapters/Programs are operating in:(based on # of participants)  
 Woodside, NY 
 Birmingham, AL 
 Los Angeles, CA 
 Atlanta, GA 
 Philadelphia, PA 
 Nashville, TN 
 Houston, TX 
 Chicago, IL 
 Port Jefferson, NY 
 Minneapolis, MN 

To learn more please contact:

Cathy Harris
Community Development Specialist
14817 Lebanon Rd
Old Hickory, TN 37138
615.382.0941
615.202.4365
cathyharris@tennesseetennis.com

And visit: http://www.usta.com/GetInvolved/NJTL.aspx