Houston Junior Tennis & Learning

Please view their new Web site for detailed maps and information about the summer program and about the junior programs offered.

 Courtney Manning, John Manning, Heba Abdel and Hayat Abdel, NJTL participants, hold copies of the HTA calendar which include their photos at the  fund-raising launch party at the Galleria Tennis & Athletic Club.  Tickets for terrific prizes are being sold to raise funds to support the HTA/NJTL program.  See story

The HTA National Junior Tennis & Learning works closely with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department's free youth tennis program offered at a variety of public parks throughout the year. The program is designed to provide children with the fundamentals of the game of tennis and educational components that develop life skills.

Since the beginning of the neighborhood tennis program in 1990, HTA has provided volunteers and financial support for tennis equipment, instructors, T-shirts, travel awards, special events, educational opportunities and scholarships. HTA has received additional support from Hewlett Packard, the USTA, the Houston Ladies Tennis Association, Tennis Express, the World Oilmen's Tennis Tournament (WOTT) and many other groups and individuals.

Educational programs are included in tennis classes. Students learn to express themselves and develop their creative abilities through art, writing and reading projects. Students participate in the annual Arthur Ashe Essay Contest where national and sectional winners receive awards.

NJTL was established in 1969 by tennis pros Arthur Ashe, Charlie Pasarell and Sheridan Snyder with the goal of developing the character of young people through tennis by

• reaching out to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to learn and play tennis
• instilling the values of leadership and academic excellence
• giving youngsters the opportunity to fully develop their tennis skills so that they can enjoy tennis their entire lives.

HTA NJTL is taking on a more active role in supporting tennis in and out of schools. A major initiative launched by the USTA and Harris County Department of Education Coalition for After School Enrichment is helping include tennis as part of established after-school programs. [more info] HTA NJTL also works closely with the USTA/Texas Section to support tennis during physical education classes and after school.

The USTA/Texas Section offers a Diversity Grant for players who need financial assistance to compete in tournaments [more info].

For more information about tennis at the parks and the HTA NJTL program, please call 713-803-1112.

HYLF Cross Court Challenge
Benefiting HYLF and Houston Tennis Association's National Junior Tennis League program TID#809697209

Former HTA/NJTL participant shines for Northwestern University
[more info]

NJTL - Grand Slam Tennis Jam Clinic

Executive Director Cheryl Hultquist Horvath, HP CEO Mark Hurd and HTA Vice President Randy Ortwein celebrated a successful HP Employee Tennis Day raising funds for HTA/NJTL.