Mission


Longstanding Commitment

The $26.5 million Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning is a testament to the longstanding commitment of public and private partners to create a flagship home for NYJTL that will touch the lives of youth from throughout New York City.


Public/Private Partnership

On June 15, 2015, the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning, constructed in a public/private partnership with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, opened to wide acclaim with more than 500 donors and guests joining in the celebration.

Cary Leeds Tennis Center
by the Numbers

  • 7,000

    children participated in on-court and off-court activities at the Cary Leeds Center during its first year of operation

  • 6,000

    hours of free tennis court time provided annually to the community

  • 3,000

    approximate number of individuals participating in Cary Leeds Center programs

  • 1,000

    adults participated in various programs the first year, including free play, USTA leagues, clinics, and lessons

  • 100

    percent goal of Scholar Athletes attending college

  • 12

    tennis courts available for year-round instruction and play

Our History

After a decade of planning, the Cary Leeds Center became a reality. Construction began in 2013 with the official groundbreaking ceremony. Working in collaboration with civic, cultural, recreational and educational partners, NYJTL has transformed the South Bronx, delivering on the vision that tennis, academics and character can and will change lives. Since we opened our doors in the summer of 2015, we have done just that.

The Cary Leeds Center provides both commercial and free year-round programming and play for all ages from 5 years old to adults to seniors.  Everyone is welcome from beginners to nationally-ranked junior players.  With access to multipurpose classrooms and event spaces, the center offers a quiet and safe environment for youth and community alike to use for their own purposes and tap into their potential.

“Our idea is to use tennis as a way to gain and hold the attention of young people so that we can teach them about matters more important than tennis.”
– Arthur Ashe