CTA NEWS

Part of New Community Building Initiative; Another Half Million to be Distributed in August

On April 2 the USTA announced it had awarded nearly $500,000 in Recreational Tennis Grants to almost 50 Community Tennis Associations across the country. The Recreational Tennis Division has pooled together financial resources to create a new series of grants to be distributed twice a year to non-profits that are committed to increasing tennis participation, well-established in their communities, support tennis programming and foster diversity among participants.

Any non-profit organization can apply for these grants, regardless of affiliation with the USTA. All funding recipients share a common commitment to growing the game, with priorities on providing the QuickStart Tennis play format in their 10-and-under programming along with team tennis opportunities.

Applicants for the Recreational Tennis Grant could decide between two distinct grant award categories. The first category is Community Partnership Investment, given to those organizations seeking to establish and develop community-based partnerships to grow the game of tennis and that have a clear vision for alliance-building. The grant amounts awarded are between $10,000 and $50,000 and may be renewed for up to two years. Winning organizations are expected to match the USTA’s financial investment.

The second grant is the Program/Project Support grant, awarded to organizations seeking funding to support general tennis programming, project and equipment needs. These awards range between $2,500 and $10,000.

Applications for the second 2009 cycle are due by May 15, 2009, and the second round of grants will be awarded in August. Organizations interested in applying for grants can find more information at www.usta.com/grants. In addition to the Recreational Tennis Grant and other grants offered by the USTA, your USTA section and/or district office may have grants available to your organization. Please visit www.usta.com to locate your local section and/or district office.

NATIONAL JUNIOR TENNIS & LEARNING (NJTL) AT 40!

National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) is a network of community-based tennis organizations committed to improving the lives of youth through tennis and educational programming. Since its inception 40 years ago in 1969, this growing network of organizations has used the model of tennis and education to strengthen the core of local communities, keeping kids safe, healthy and strong.

As a part of the network, there are numerous opportunities for NJTL organization leaders and participants to engage kids through relevant programs and build the management infrastructure of the organization. Some of the many opportunities include the NJTL Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest and the NJTL Tennis Leadership Camp.

Focus on Education: The Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest provides an opportunity for NJTL participants to learn about one of the NJTL founders—Arthur Ashe. By responding to his quote, “From what you get you make a living; from what you give you make a life,” participants learn to apply Ashe’s sense of civic-mindedness to them. In this case, participants do not have to know how to play tennis; they need to know how to express themselves. Participants who do this best win a trip to New York City for Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day. Submissions are due July 10, 2009. Visit www.usta.com/njtl for more information.

Focus on Leadership: The NJTL Tennis Leadership Camp (TLC) is an intense week of tennis training and leadership development, emphasizing individual skills development, good sportsmanship, community involvement, and other healthy attitudes. The goal of the TLC is to provide NJTL youth a chance to be part of a life-lasting educational, tennis and social experience, all at no cost to the participant. As one of NJTL’s greatest offerings, the TLC aims to help NJTL chapters develop stronger players and stronger leaders. This year, the TLC will be in Denver, CO, from July 21-29. Applications are due May 29, 2009. Visit www.usta.com/njtl for more information.

As a registered USTA/CTA, you may already offer youth programming, and you can easily register as an NJTL chapter, too. If you’re not already a registered NJTL, visit www.usta.com/njtl or email njtl@usta.com to learn more about how you can be a part of this amazing network.

USTA EASTERN HOSTS SUCCESSFUL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
By Joe Steger, Community Tennis, USTA Eastern

Those who attended the 2009 Eastern Tennis Leadership Conference and Annual Meeting certainly “courted success.” Held January 30-February 1 at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel in White Plains, NY, the weekend-long event was an opportunity for tennis players, directors, clinicians and tennis enthusiasts to further their careers, learn a few tennis tricks, and enjoy the company and advice of other tennis advocates.

The weekend kicked off with a High School Coaches Workshop. Coaches heard advice from Ajay Pant, the Tennis Director for Tennis Corporation of America, St. Johns University Women’s Head Coach Gemma Alexander-Mozeak, and Bill Mountford, the former Director of Tennis at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. They covered topics that included handling cheaters, the best drills, the USTA’s No-Cut High School Coach Program, and preparing players for college.

Attendees participated in workshops such as “The Most Under-Practiced Elements of the Game” and “Modern Methods of Doubles.” At the Junior Awards Lunch on Saturday, participants were greeted by former WTA Tour pro Katrina Adams.

Tim Heath was sworn in as the new President of USTA Eastern’s Board of Directors at the section’s Annual Meeting. Dale Caldwell, President for the past three years, told the packed crowd,“Tim is the best person for the job and has already contributed a great deal as the President-Elect.”

Saturday evening, players and various organizations were honored for their achievements and contributions to USTA Eastern’s mission. The conference concluded on Sunday afternoon.

“One of the major benefits of the conference is just coming together with other clubs and organizations to swap stories to avoid reinventing the wheel,” said conference participant, Michelle Curry. By Sunday afternoon, everyone was still chatting about their clubs, new ideas they gained for improvement, Tim Heath’s new presidency and of course, Nadal’s big win at the Australian Open.

Tennis Block Parties

May is National Tennis Month and your CTA is invited to celebrate with the USTA at a local block party!

Tennis Block Parties feature instruction and interactive games for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whether you are looking to learn, compete, get in shape, or just have some fun, you can get in the game without traveling far!

Attend a Tennis Block Party in your area and learn more about Tennis Month today!