For more than 40 years, NYJTL has served the children of New York City, helping to provide opportunities for young people through tennis and education initiatives. NYJTL offers youth from all 5 boroughs the opportunity to play tennis, through free clinics in their communities, as well as instruction at its facility in the Bronx. The organization also offers afterschool programs in 28 locations, providing tennis and education programs for children during these critical hours. The New York Times recently spoke with one family positively impacted by the organization’s programs and followed their journey. From their apartment in the Bronx, the children of Pierre Ntonga happened to come across the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning, the flagship home of NYJTL. Excited about the possibility of learning to play a sport they were unfamiliar with, they applied to participate in clinics. According to the article, they had to demonstrate that they were attending school and working hard on their grades. While tennis is the hook to get children in the door, the program also emphasizes educational skills to succeed off the court, offering assistance with tutoring, homework and programs in health and wellness. The organization works to further the vision of founder Arthur Ashe, who said “Our idea is to use tennis as a way to gain and hold the attention of young people so that we can teach them about matters more important than tennis.” For the Ntonga children, these programs have meant the world. “My wife and I are so happy that they play tennis,” said Pierre. “It is very important to have these constructive activities.”
“I have been proud to work with NYJTL for close to 10 years,” said CSA Studio owner Chrys Sbily. “NYJTL has provided life-changing opportunities for so many young people in New York City, who would not normally have access to learn the sport, and to benefit from all the positive things tennis can teach, as well as valuable educational resources. It’s a privilege to help spread the word about this amazing organization.”
Read the New York Times article here: