About
NJTL History
Arthur Ashe co-founded the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) in 1969 with Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder. Their vision was 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…Through tennis, lives can be changed and spirits reclaimed.”
During the summer of 1969, Indianapolis resident and tennis patron, Barbara S. Wynne, started an inner-city tennis program at Riverside Park for Indianapolis youth. Four years later, the “Riverside Upswing” program became the Indianapolis chapter of NJTL. NJTL of Indianapolis strives to teach children Ashe’s ideals and the impact he made on the world so that they may carry on his legacy.
Mission
NJTL of Indianapolis follows the example set by Arthur Ashe to promote education, good character and healthy lifestyles to children through the sport of tennis.
Values Statement: NJTL of Indianapolis programs support our core values including:
- Honesty and Integrity
- Sportsmanship
- Teamwork
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Reading and Education
- Family Involvement
- Volunteers, Partners and Community
NJTL of Indianapolis offers youth tennis programs throughout the year for children and teens, regardless of family income levels. Programs are open to everyone who wants to play and learn. NJTL will never turn a child away due to financial circumstances.
NJTL strives to keep children healthy and active. The program serves as a foundation from which to build self-esteem, encourage youth interest in physical activity and foster a lifelong love of the sport of tennis.
Vision
Through the game of tennis, young people are educated and empowered to become successful citizens their entire lives.
NJTL of Indianapolis:
- Provides various educational opportunities through reading programs and contests.
- Offers assistance in entering the national Arthur Ashe Essay Contest.
- Promotes a healthy lifestyle through partnership with Jump IN for Healthy Kids.
- Encourages tennis students to participate in our “Love to Read” program, a summer reading contest.
- Teaches life skills such as being a team player, embracing fitness, and resolving conflict.
NJTL of Indianapolis serves more than 1,000 children in Marion County and surrounding communities every year by offering low-cost tennis lessons at more than 20 local parks, schools, and racquet clubs. Since its inception NJTL has offered tennis instruction to more than 50,000 children.
It costs NJTL of Indianapolis approximately $150 for each student enrolled in our tennis programs. However, nearly all participants pay $85 or less thanks to the generosity of foundations, corporations and individual donors.