The Racket 🎾
Matthew & Emmanuel Usman
CTP+ Player Feature
Twin brothers, Matthew and Emmanuel Usman have been a part of the CTP program for several years. Not only are they a part of the CTP+ Program, a program designed for players who have demonstrated competitive ability and potential beyond the level of those at their current CTP location, but they are also coaches.
Emmanuel highlights his initial experience with NYJTL: “The very first time I went to NYJTL was probably my most memorable. I was super nervous because I decided to try a new sport at 15 years old. Christian Georges was my first coach during the Winter Weekend Indoors program at the NTC. I saw so many kids playing of all ages, all levels and from so many different backgrounds. It was super fun even if I was bad at the sport at the time.” For Matthew, “the best part of being with NYJTL is realizing that it’s impossible to stop growing, from good days to bad days on court there is always something to take away. The many friends and coaches I spend entire seasons training, playing, and competing with create bonds and memories that I will never forget.”
Emmanuel and Matthew appreciated the CTP+ program. For them, it is a huge opportunity to perfect their mental and physical strength. Through this program, their confidence in their abilities and to compete increased.
Matthew and Emmanuel are both excited for the CTP Winter session to start November 13!
Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month and is a time to celebrate rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories, and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Heritage Month is also an opportunity to raise a general awareness about the challenges Native people have faced both historically and in the present, and the ways in which tribal citizens have worked to conquer these challenges.
ACES Fall Festival
The ACES Fall Festival was BACK this year! After a COVID hiatus, on October 11, all 27 ACES Afterschool sites participated in the event. However, to ensure the safety of all NYJTL participants and staff, the event was held at each individual site, and partially over Zoom. There were games, bounce houses, a carnival, raffles, prizes and more! Hundreds of children from ACES schools all across the five boroughs participated.
STP Training is BACK!
The School Time Tennis Program (STP) trainings are run at the Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning, with the purpose of instructing Physical Education teachers how to teach the fundamentals of tennis in school, and to provide instructional drills and games to use during physical education time. The first training session of the school year is December 8!
Welcome Shenay Perry
Shenay Perry is the NEW Associate Director Of High Performance And Adult Programming!
Shenay played on the WTA tour with a career high of #40 in singles and #97 in doubles, and has worked with some remarkable players like Coco Gauff and Sofia Kenin as juniors and Kristie Ahn at the pro level.
Breast Cancer Walk
On October 8, one of our ACES Afterschool sites, PS 129, had a Breast Cancer Walk! They provided their school administration with breast cancer awareness bags, and did a pink & white balloon release. Way to go, team!
The Cary Leeds Center has you covered.
The bubble at the Cary Leeds Center went up October 13-14 to weather you from the storm.