New York Junior Tennis & Learning Free Roosevelt Island Spring Program at the Octagon Park Tennis Courts - Monday, Wednesday & Friday Afternoons For Kids 7-18, Pee Wees 5-6 Years Old On Wednesday, All You Need is Sneakers And A Smile

The New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) Free Spring Roosevelt Island Program has begun at the Octagon Park Tennis Courts.

Local resident and NYJTL Roosevelt Island Site Coordinator Joyce Short reports:

NYJTL's Spring Season has begun at Octagon Park. Hours are 3-6 PM for kids aged 7 through 18, Monday, Wednesday & Friday. PeeWees- aged 5, 6, and beginners who are 7, 3:30 to 4:30 on Wednesdays.

Rolling admission. No one is turned away. All you need is sneakers and a smile.

NYJTL is supported through the generosity of RIOC, NYC City Council and Council Member Ben Kallos.

According to NYJLT:

Few things thrill Joyce Short more than watching the kids she coaches at the Roosevelt Island Community Tennis Program learn and grow. But there’s added significance for her when she sees girls, in particular, excel.

Joyce grew up before the 1972 Title IX legislation created equal opportunities for girls to participate in sports. She played tennis and competed in citywide tournaments as a one- and three-meter springboard diver in her hometown of Columbia, South Carolina. She was the City Champion in the 16-and-under category. But her high school had no varsity teams for girls. As a University of Georgia co-ed, she was only allowed to use the diving board in the “men’s pool,” two hours per week.

 Image Of Joyce Short From NYJTL

Today, Joyce relishes the opportunity to be a role model for all young people, but especially girls. “I hope that the fact that I’m here coaching as a female athlete will speak volumes to them about their potential,” she says....

(Click here for the full article)

And more on NYJTL.