Macon Area Tennis Programs
New to Tennis?
Our Tennis Apprentice Program may be perfect for you!
This new program is designed for adults of all ages and athletic abilities.
The program includes 6 hours of FUN tennis instruction and is only $50!
What’s Included you ask?
- 6 Hours of Instruction
- Coaching by an experienced tennis pro
- One Head tennis racket (You get to keep!)
- One Year USTA membership (upon request)
- First USTA league fee paid ($22 Value)
- Tennis Apprentice T-Shirt
National Junior Tennis & Learning
What is NJTL In Middle Georgia?
In 2021, MATA created the first NJTL Program in Middle Georgia. Regionally, our goal is to bring tennis to children in grades 3-5 in underresourced areas.
We partnered with United Way of Central Georgia, Macon-Bibb Parks and Rec, LH Williams Recreation Center and LH Williams Elementary for our first after school NJTL after school program. We also expanded our community partnerships (with the help of a Collegiate Connection Grant from USTAF) by bringing on members of Mercer University’s Club tennis team as tutors and assistant coaches.
MATA and Coach Terry “T” Jones has started running an after-school tennis program for elementary students at local schools in Macon. The Program is designed to grow tennis within the youth population and provide young athletes with the teaching to improve their game. We are currently working with Saint Peter Claver Catholic School and H Williams Elementary School, and are looking to continue to expand to other schools in the area.
Description
In 1969, the National Junior Tennis League was created as a way 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, the now-named National Junior Tennis and Learning network 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 is supported by the USTA Foundation, the national charitable organization of the USTA. The work done by its member chapters includes after-school tutoring that focuses on academic enrichment, a life-skills curriculum and, of course, tennis.
Skill Levels
Tennis experience and competency is not a qualifier to participate in Net Therapy as either an Athlete or a Volunteer.
The most important characteristics are:
- Interest in the sport
- Best effort
- Commitment
- Enjoy your time on the court!
Equipment
All necessary equipment is provided by Net Generation.
Curriculum
MATA NJTL utilizes the USTA ACE/STEM Curriculum. The curriculum uses all aspects of a child’s academic experience to learn tennis skills.
Additionally, we provide nutrition education and after school snacks.
Children spend two days a week on neighborhood tennis courts.
Volunteers Needed!
At each of our events, we utilize volunteers in on-court and off-court capacities. Tennis experience and knowledge is a plus but not a requirement for all activities. Your involvement and passion for helping others is far more valuable than your knowledge or skill level as a tennis player. Tennis teams, school groups, families, neighborhoods and individuals are all encouraged to get involved.
Opportunities
- Assisting athletes on the autism spectrum as: instructor, ball feeder, court control
- Ball person
- Coach
- Chaperone
- Administrative support
Included Events
- Net Therapy for Kids with Autism – 6 weeks during spring – John Drew Smith Tennis Center – Mondays 5-6pm
- Net Therapy for Veterans – Thursdays 7 pm Randy Stephens Tennis Center
- Fundraising events
Volunteer Requirements
- Passion for the underserved population and helping others
- Energetic
- Availability
- Tennis skill and knowledge of the game required for some on-court volunteers