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Home Mission Statement |
Kids ‘N Tennis Mission Statement: The mission of Kids N’ Tennis is to increase the number of inner-city junior tennis players by establishing a comprehensive Junior Tennis Program that is culturally and ethnically diversified and affordable for every participant. Goal: Our goal is to provide reduced and free lessons to populations, specifically youth, that have been historically underrepresented in tennis and to teach and provide training for people who are interested in becoming tennis coaches. Objective: Kids N’ Tennis’ objective is to use tennis as a vehicle to teach and reinforce educational, social, and life skills through a sport which offers boys and girls similar opportunities for success. Our outreach targets children who minority, at-risk and/or from lower income households. History: Kids N' Tennis (KN’T) was established in 1987 at Irving Park in Northeast Portland. KN’T’s original mission was to teach tennis to ethnic populations who were often unable to participate in tennis do to the prohibitive cost often associated with the sport. After successfully achieving this goal KN’T broaden its outreach and evolved into a multi-cultural/ethnically diverse tennis program. Over the last twelve KN’T has taught tennis to over 1,200 children. Graduates from Kids N' Tennis include three current Portland Area Teaching Professionals, and numerous college graduates. In 1994 Kids N' Tennis established a partnership with Portland Parks and Recreation, allowing KN’T to use the St. Johns Racquet Center as its home. Because of this Don, Andre, and Cris have developed KN'T into one of the most successful youth tennis programs in the United States. Prior to Kids N' Tennis, Don and Andre served as head and assistant tennis coaches for Wilson High School. During their tenure they produced four team district championship teams, eight P.I.L. Singles District Champions, two consecutive second place state boys high school teams, and two state boys singles champions and one runner-up. Kids N’ Tennis is Northeast Portland’s USTA/NJTL Chapter and Community Tennis Association. Its mission as a Community Tennis Association is to provide reduced and free lessons to populations, specifically youth, that have been historically underrepresented in tennis and to train individuals who are interested in becoming tennis coaches and working with our Junior Development Program. The Junior Development Program has the following components: Afterschool Tennis Programs, USTA/NJTL, USA Tennis 1-2-3, USA Team Tennis, Play Tennis America, Local Excellence Program and our Junior Tennis Academy. K’NT Programs: The programs that Kids N’ Tennis sponsors are divided into four areas: education and literacy; student athletes and mentoring; at-risk youth and inner-city tennis; health and fitness. Education & Literacy Kids N' Tennis' education and literacy program provides students with a study area located in our Education and Media Center. This center has computers and printers for students to use. A Certified Teacher and volunteers are available to tutor and assist students with their studies before and after tennis lessons. High School students can earn elective credits in Journalism, Desktop Publishing, Business, and Vocational Education through their participation in our Student Educational Internship Program. Student Athlete & Mentoring Our student athlete and mentoring program allows youth the opportunity to begin their training as tennis teachers. Students are paired with a Teaching Professional who serves as their mentor and instructor. Upon completion of this nine month program students are eligible for employment as summer camp assistants. Students may also participate in the United States Professional Tennis Registry’s A.C.E. Workshops. These national workshops were designed to increase the number of coaches who work with ethnic and multi-cultural populations. Graduates of the workshop are encouraged to enroll in the USPTR Professional Certification Program. Numerous job opportunities are available certified instructors. A Racquet Stringing Mentorship Program is also available for students interested in learning how to string racquet and become certified racquet stringers. The Racquet Stringing Mentorship Program offers educational and employment opportunities for any child who is interested in learning how to string racquets. A Certified United States Racquet Stringers Associaion (USRSA) member provides training and supervision. After the completion of their training these chilren will have completed the apprenticeship portion of their Stringers Certification Program. In order to become certified by the USRSA they must pass an examination administered by this organization. However, as an apprecntice they can train other kids in our Junior Tennis Academy Program. This program provides jobs for kids and every child is eligible to receive Work Expereinece Credit through their respective high schools. At-Risk & Inner-City Tennis The at-risk and inner-city tennis program is where Kids N’ Tennis has made its greatest impact on the youth of Portland. Since its inception KN'T has taught tennis to over 1,200 children in the Portland Metropolitan Area. Future plans call for KN'T to form new partnerships with the Portland Trailblazer Boys and Girls Club and Self-Enhancement, Inc. Both of these programs serve similar populations as ours but do not offer tennis as part of their curriculum. However, they can help us immensely by providing transportation for youth to continue their training year-round at the St. Johns Racquet Center. Health & Fitness Health and Fitness is promoted by Kids N’ Tennis through its Fitness Space. Juniors, Adults, and Seniors use our center, complete with Treadmill, Lifecycle, Stairmaster, and Four-Station Weight Equipment. Juniors use this center for free and all Academy Students must use this center three times a week. The newest component of our student athlete program is Athletes in Training. Athletes in Training provides professional instruction for Speed, Agility, and Quickness. Ken Taylor formerly of Speed City, Inc. provides training to teach athletes how to reach their athletic goals with smart, and safe exercises. All children participating in our Junior Development Program train twice a month for one hour with Mr. Taylor. Accomplishments: Over the past thirteen years Kids N’ Tennis has accomplished the following:
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