NATIONAL JUNIOR YOUTH TENNIS LEAGUE (NJTL)

Arthur Ashe co-founded the National Junior Tennis League 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.”

THRiVE Through Tennis Foundation is proud to be part of a network of 250 non-profit youth development organizations that offer tennis and education programs to under-resourced youth.  We hope to strengthen our community by educating and empowering youth to realize their full potential.  We are dedicated to serving our community by providing tennis programs that are accessible and affordable to all children who want to play and learn tennis, regardless of ability.  

Our students are encouraged to participate in the widely acclaimed annual NJTL Essay Contest. Participants are asked to write essays answering a thought-provoking question requiring research and analysis.  Over 2500 entries are received each year and 10 national winners (one boy and one girl from each age group) receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City to participate in Arthur Ashe Kids' Day at the US Open and to accept their awards at the NJTL Essay Awards Luncheon.