NJTL
What is an NJTL?
In 1969, the National Junior Tennis League was created to gain and hold the attention of young people, with the hope of teaching them the importance of character, getting an education, and becoming productive citizens.
Today now-named National Junior Tennis and Learning ("NJTL") network, it features more than 250 nonprofit youth development organizations that offer free or low-cost tennis and education programming to over 160,000 under-resourced youth each year.
NJTL Network is supported by the USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the USTA.
Is RTA an NJTL Chapter?
Yes, RTA is a 2021 USTA Foundation recognized NJTL organization and is part of the NJTL nation-wide network. The Raleigh Tennis Association seeks to develop the character of young people through tennis and education. Our goal as a chapter is to facilitate the RTA’s efforts to strengthen our NJTL programming and outreach; but also have a significant impact on the improvement of the other NJTL chapters in Raleigh that we support.
NJTL Essay Contest
2023 marks the RTAs 7th Annual Local Essay Contest, in conjunction with the National NJTL Essay Contest Grant, to encourage educational opportunities that enhance children’s overall development. The RTA essay contest was established to increase local participation in the National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) Essay Contest. All Raleigh youth tennis players are encouraged to participate.
The Raleigh Tennis Association will be reviewing local essays to determine a local winner.
Entries are due on June 22nd 12:00 PM EDT. Click here for more information.
2022 - The Question
Mayor David Dinkins was convinced that tennis instills confidence, character, sportsmanship, and teamwork. He envisioned the sport as a vehicle to drive you closer to your dreams.
Do you agree that tennis develops these positive qualities? Are there other skills pr positive aspects gained from playing tennis? What are your dreams? How can tennis help you achieve those dreams and develop meaningful relationships?
Click here for more information about and submission link for the 2022 Essay Contest.
Local NJTL Essay Winners
2021 Winners
Congratulations to our 2021 Essay Contest
winners representing the Raleigh Girls Club!
10U Winner:
Zoe Whitfield (pictured on left)
14U Winner:
Saniya Artis
18U Winner
Katelyn Houston (pictured on right)
2020 Winners
10U: Charles Stanbury
14U: Ellie Smith
18U: R'mani Henry
Read more about the 2020 winners and watch
them read their essays on our blog.
2019 Winners
10U: Krish Attaluri
14U: Brianna Stewart
18U: Jocelyn Montalban
2018 Winners
10U: Lola Lia
14U: Tory Mullis
18U: Benjamin Jones
2018 10U National Winner:
10U Krish Attaluri
2017 Winners
10U: Brianna Stewart
14U: Patricia "Grace" Koehler
18U: Josiah Farrar
