Introduction to NJTL

"Through tennis, lives can be changed and spirits reclaimed."--Arthur Ashe

Please read the following description of the NJTL program that is starting soon! We are now recruiting participants for this program.

The Alamogordo Tennis Association (ATA) is using $1,000 of seed money from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Southwest Region to start a National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) program.

The three objectives of NJTL are to learn, interact and have fun playing tennis. Our goal with the new Alamogordo NJTL is to introduce as many young people as possible to the game of tennis by providing a coach, equipment and facilities and an educational program that emphasizes character development.

Program Design

Students aged 10-17 who are interested in playing tennis are eligible for the program. Each student must complete an application form which includes parental consent to participate. Every student must agree to participate fully in all aspects of the program, which includes four introductory tennis lessons, tutoring with a writing instructor and participating in an essay writing contest. A $10 voluntary contribution is requested, but not required to participate.

Every participant will receive a tennis racquet. Every student who completes the program will receive a t shirt and a certificate of completion. Winners of the essay contest will receive a prize.

Tennis Instruction

Instruction in basic tennis skills and the rules of the game will be provided by highly qualified and screened instructors. Individual participants will arrange lesson times with instructors. All instruction and interaction between the instructors and the students will take place on the public tennis courts. Parents are encouraged to observe their students during the lessons. The focus of the introductory tennis lessons will be providing a positive experience through building a foundation of the development of proper ball striking skills.

Writing Instruction

Student participation in writing instruction is required by this program. Provided by a highly qualified teacher, it will consist of explaining the requirements of the essay competition, reviewing the rough draft of each student's essay and providing suggestions for improvements. Students will be provided with reading materials upon which to base their essays. All meetings with the writing teacher will be conducted next to the tennis courts before or after tennis lessons.

Essay Contest

Essays may be entered in a local contest and also in the national NJTL Arthur Ashe Essay and Art Contest. Detailed rules will be provided by the writing teacher to all students and parents. The theme of the essay is: "Why do you think Arthur Ashe created the NJTL network, and how has your NJTL chapter impacted your life?"

The ATA plans to serve ten participants in NJTL between January and May of 2011. If we receive additional funding, we hope to be able to continue this program during the summer months as well.

The contact person for this program is:

Dale Emmert
Vice President, Alamogordo Tennis Association
575 415 3927 Cell: 505 306 2329
1700 Monte Vista Corte
Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310

Here is the national web site for NJTL:

http://www.usta.com/Youth-Tennis/National-Junior-Tennis-Learning/NJTL/