What is National Junior Tennis & Learning?
The USTA National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) is a nationwide 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:
1. reaching out to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play the sport
2. instilling in youngsters the values of leadership and academic excellence
3. 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
The NJTL is a great way for kids to get exercise, make friends, and have fun in a team-oriented and safe environment. NJTLs offer a variety of on and off-court programming, emphasizing educational and life-skill components to enhance overall development. 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.
Locate an NJTL.
Glossary of Programs/Initiatives for NJTLs
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“Through tennis, lives can be changed and spirits reclaimed.”—Arthur Ashe
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a. Arthur Ashe Essay Contest:
Arthur Ashe was an American hero fighting battles both on and off the court. In his life, he broke barriers in the tennis world, becoming the first African American male to win a Grand Slam tournament. One of his many legacies off the court includes the National Junior Tennis League ("NJTL"), a network of youth serving organizations that provides tennis and education for all. His wish was for NJTL to be a resource for kids to develop skills for leadership and academic excellence. We want to hear what Arthur Ashe means to you in the 2009 Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest. Enter and you could win a trip to New York City for the 2009 Arthur Ashe Kids' Day!
For more information, click here.
b. Capacity Building Program: Often, NJTL programs and/or chapters seeking to expand their impact by serving a greater number of kids and providing more comprehensive youth development opportunities, must first develop additional management capabilities. The Capacity Building Program is designed to provide long-term assistance to selected chapters that are committed to achieving significant qualitative and quantitative growth and to developing management capabilities necessary to achieve their goals. Click here to see more about the NJTL Capacity Building Program.
c. Chapter of the Year: The USTA continues its tradition of honoring outstanding program work in youth tennis by presenting the annual USA Tennis NJTL National Chapter of the Year Award to USTA Tennis NJTL Chapters that have demonstrated continued excellence in youth tennis programming. All USTA Tennis NJTL Chapters submitting applications for Chapter of the Year must have conducted a National Junior Tennis League program a minimum of three consecutive years, must be an active NJTL chapter and must be active organizational members of the USTA.
d. Invitational Tennis Leadership Camp: Created in 1984 to provide an educational as well as motivational tennis experience for USTA Tennis NJTL participants who could not afford such an opportunity, the camp’s objective is to provide USTA Tennis NJTL participants a chance to be part of a life lasting tennis and social experience. The week long session emphasizes individual skill development, physical fitness, proper nutrition, good sportsmanship and other healthy attitudes. In addition to the tennis training with experienced tennis teachers, the youngsters experience career counseling night and visits to local area attractions.
e. Recreational Coaches Workshop: An interactive, on-court training program designed for tennis teachers and coaches working with players who are new to the game and/or at the earlier levels of skill development. Each workshop is conducted by an outstanding certified tennis professional specially trained to effectively handle large groups and get kids and adults to play tennis quickly in a fun and social atmosphere. Depending on the site, these workshops are 6 or 12 hours in length. Each workshop participant receives youth and adult curriculum materials, team practice information and samples of innovative tennis transition balls aimed at accelerating the learning process. Please click here for more information.
f. Regional Rallies: An event where teams from neighboring chapters and/or programs gather and participate in fun-filled, action-packed tennis activities. The rallies serve as both a reward for active NJTL’s and an incentive for new communities to join the USTA Tennis NJTL network. Receive a grant to host a Regional Rally at your site!
Registration Form
In order to expand and revitalize the benefits that the USTA provides to its NJTL programs and chapters, we are updating our Registration and Renewal form to gain a more comprehensive assessment of your strengths, needs and areas of opportunity.
Your answer to these questions will help us to improve our support systems and to focus our financial resources, enabling us to provide your NJTL with more tangible and useful benefits and services.
Our new direction is designed to develop a proven formula for a successful NJTL network. We intend to present NJTL to outside sponsors and funding sources that may be interested in supporting the NJTL mission, and want to capture the unique and quality components of your program’s infrastructure and delivery services to effectively showcase your program’s contributions.
This data will be entered into a new database system to eliminate the paper file renewal process. A faster, simpler, more efficient online process is in the works. Please complete the Registration Form and e-mail to njtl@usta.com. Insurance Plan
NJTL’s can now operate freely with Liability and Accident insurance coverage being provided under a Master-policy program. To qualify, you must:
1. Be an active USTA Organization Member
2. Be incorporated as a non-profit organization in your state
3. Have an active registration status with USA Tennis NJTL
To view the details of this Master Insurance Policy, click here. If your Chapter/Program does not meet the requirements to participate in the USTA Master Liability & Accident Insurance Program, you are eligible for the Combined Liability & Accident Insurance Plan for USTA Recreational Tennis Organizations, which will insure your participants. This plan premium is paid at a per participant rate. Click here for the Participant Insurance Application Form.
USTA Northern Contact
For more information about NJTL programming in your area, contact Nancy Lundberg at lundberg@northern.usta.com or at (952) 358-3286.
College Scholarships
The USTA provides college scholarship opportunities for tennis players through USTA Serves. Click here to learn more about these scholarship opportunities.