Program Description
Currently at the ATA we have several programs for the youth. The programs of the ATA are structured to empower young people by using tennis as a vehicle for social transformation. The recruitment, enrollment, and instruction methodologies are designed to cut across economic and social handicaps that deny access to motivated and talented young persons interested in learning the sport.
Our award winning youth programs have achieved success and international attention among tennis professionals despite the fact that our primary operation started on two deteriorating public courts, and occasionally, on a few of the local hotel courts during the off-season. The programs are designed to challenge the students in three main areas: (1) Academically – to help students meet the requirements of accredited colleges; (2) Technically – to help students reach exceptional standards in tennis and (3) Socially – to help students demonstrate self-discipline, anger management skills, team building and leadership.
The programs provide its graduates with an opportunity to pursue a college education through its scholarship program. The ATA has assisted three persons to achieve tennis athletic scholarships and currently assisting two more potential candidates to attend college in the year 2011. The ATA is proud of the fact that some of its graduates have gone on to college on tennis scholarships facilitated by the program and others that remained at home are now the directors of tennis at some of our leading resorts such as Viceroy Anguilla and Cuisinart Resort and Spa.
Our two main programs are the “After School Program” and “The Annual Summer Camp”.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The ATA started its After School Program to provide year-round tennis instruction for interested children. The program initially ran on the two public courts on the James Ronald Webster Park. In 2007 the ATA moved its After School Program to its newly completed facilities in Blowing Point. Currently, more than fifty-five (55) children between the ages of 4 – 17 are registered and are benefiting from this program.
The After School Program also offers scholarships for students who are interested but do not have the means to pay the monthly fee of US$75. Our goal is to have at least 100 children participating in the program annually. As part of the After School Program the ATA will be introducing a reading program under the theme “Reading is Fundamental” in our quest to develop well rounded individuals. The ATA will also provide scholarship opportunities for students who would love to play tennis but cannot meet the monthly financial requirement of US$75.
ANNUAL SUMMER PROGRAM
During the month of July each year, the ATA conducts a summer camp. Over 150 children participate in the Summer Camp regularly. Certified USPTA and college coaches are flown in from the USA and around the world to assist and help children grow in the sport. The Summer camp is one of the biggest attractions for the ATA facility.
As a result of our international affiliation with the Summer Camp, we have been able to produce three documentaries (“Power of a Dream, 10th Year Anniversary and 15th Year Anniversary”) depicting the progress, participation, sponsorship, and success of the Summer Camp. These documentaries were produced pro bono by Greg Travis of Travis Television in Nashville Tennessee. The Summer Camp is also used as a recruiting tool for children to participate in the After School Program.
STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING PROGRAM
