Rockland Community Tennis is proud to announce an exciting milestone in our organization’s growth: we are now officially recognized as a USTA Foundation National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) chapter. This designation builds on our long‑standing role as a USTA‑recognized Community Tennis Association (CTA) and marks a major step forward in expanding opportunity, access, and impact for youth across Rockland County.
NJTL chapters are part of a national network dedicated to using tennis as more than a sport—it is a platform for education, life‑skills development, and future opportunity. By becoming an NJTL chapter, Rockland Community Tennis joins a legacy of community organizations across the country that leverage tennis to help young people grow academically, socially, and personally.
What This Means for Our Youth
This new designation allows Rockland Community Tennis to deepen and expand the work we already do. As an NJTL chapter, we can offer:
- Greater access to free and low‑cost tennis programs for underserved families
- Life‑skills and character development, including lessons in teamwork, resilience, focus, and leadership
- Academic enrichment and college‑readiness pathways, supported through the USTA Foundation and NJTL network
- Expanded opportunities for scholarships, grants, and national recognition
- A stronger support system for youth to stay engaged in tennis long‑term—through school teams, community play, and lifelong participation
Our programs already reach approximately 900 children each year, many from communities facing financial and access barriers. NJTL recognition strengthens our ability to remove cost barriers, increase program quality, and open doors for youth who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in organized sports.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Rockland Community Tennis currently partners with North Rockland, Suffern, Nyack, Pearl River, and South Orangetown School Districts, as well as local PTAs, to deliver tennis programming at elementary and middle schools. We also provide inclusive adaptive programs at the Piermont Community Center in collaboration with OPWDD‑approved fiscal intermediaries, ensuring children of all abilities can participate.
As an NJTL chapter, these efforts are now part of a nationally recognized framework that combines tennis, education, and community impact.
A Community‑Driven Future
This milestone reflects the dedication of our coaches, volunteers, families, schools, and partners who believe in tennis as a tool for positive change. Becoming an NJTL chapter positions Rockland Community Tennis for continued growth, stronger partnerships, and an even greater commitment to equity and opportunity.
Our mission remains simple yet powerful: to make tennis a pathway to healthier lifestyles, academic success, character development, and personal growth for every child in our community. With NJTL recognition, that pathway is now wider—and brighter—than ever.
We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to everyone who has helped make this moment possible. This is just the beginning.
