History
Organization Information
Founded in 1952 by William
J. Clothier as the Philadelphia Tennis Patrons Association, AAYTE
has grown over the last 54 years to include the Arthur Ashe Youth
Tennis Center (AAYTC), which opened in 1983. In 1996 the organization
merged with the National Junior Tennis League of Philadelphia to
become Philadelphia Youth Tennis. Our name change to Arthur Ashe
Youth Tennis and Education, in February 2003, emphasizes our interest
in these youngsters as players and students – we want them to succeed
both on the court and in life.
The mission of Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (AAYTE) is "to create and promote opportunities to improve the quality of life of young people through tennis and education." To do so, AAYTE targets children ages four to eighteen years, many from underserved, at-risk, multicultural populations. Through recreation, academic and mentoring services, AAYTE provides these youngsters with positive life lessons and teaches important personal skills such as self-discipline, self-reliance, good sportsmanship and non-violent conflict resolution, all in a constructive, safe and nurturing environment.
AAYTE annually provides
qualified instructors, equipment and positive opportunities to more
than 8,500 children, most of whom participate at little or no cost
through the AfterSchool and Community Programs, The Arthur Ashe
Youth Tennis and Education Center indoor programs and the National
Junior Tennis League's outdoor summer program. Using tennis as the
vehicle, the programs teach positive, rewarding lessons, building
confidence and providing a framework of personal discipline. In
addition, AAYTE offers a safe haven for children during after-school
hours and summer breaks, when they are most vulnerable to drugs,
crime and violence.
The following enrichment programs supplement our high quality tennis instruction:
- Goodstein Junior Leadership Program
- First Serve Life Skills Curriculum
- The Arthur Ashe Reading is Fundamental® Room
- The Munchkin Program
- AAYTE Scholarship Program
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