Cost
Free
Frederick Douglass Academy V Middle School SONYC Program
Free SONYC afterschool program serving grades 6-8 in Crotona, Bronx, run by New York Junior Tennis & Learning combining tennis and education for character development
The mission of New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) is to develop the character of young people through tennis and education for a lifetime of success on and off the court. Today, NYJTL is the largest grassroots youth tennis and education nonprofit in the nation, operating in all five boroughs and reaching more than 85,000 children annually. The program at Frederick Douglass Academy V Middle School runs from 2:40 PM to 6:00 PM Monday through Friday.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2111 Crotona Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457 |
| Borough | Bronx (Crotona) |
| Provider | New York Junior Tennis League Inc |
| Website | nyjtl.org |
| Phone | (718) 740-7949 |
Age Range
Ages 11-14 (Grades 6-8)
Program Type
School’s Out New York City (SONYC)
Category
Youth Development
Frederick Douglass Academy V NYJTL program offers comprehensive programming including:
- Tennis Instruction: Professional tennis coaching for all skill levels
- Character Development: Building integrity, perseverance, and sportsmanship
- Academic Support: Homework help and educational enrichment
- Physical Fitness: Cardiovascular health and athletic development
- Life Skills: Discipline, goal-setting, and teamwork
- Competition Opportunities: Tournaments and matches for skill progression
- Positive Mentorship: Caring coaches and instructors as role models
- Success On and Off Court: Skills that translate beyond sports
New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL) has been transforming the lives of young New Yorkers since 1971, making it one of the largest and most successful youth tennis organizations in the nation. For over 50 years, NYJTL has used tennis as a vehicle for education, character development, and opportunity.
Mission & Vision: NYJTL believes that tennis provides a unique platform for developing essential life skills. The sport teaches discipline, strategic thinking, perseverance, and sportsmanship—qualities that lead to success in school, career, and life. By combining tennis with academic support and character education, NYJTL creates comprehensive programming that addresses the whole child.
History & Growth: Founded in 1971 with a single program in Harlem, NYJTL has grown exponentially:
- Serves 85,000+ young people annually
- Operates 200+ free and low-cost programs across all five boroughs
- Manages tennis facilities and community centers
- Provides year-round programming including afterschool, weekend, and summer
- Has introduced hundreds of thousands of NYC youth to tennis over 50+ years
Core Programs:
- Community Tennis: Free and low-cost tennis instruction citywide
- Afterschool Programs: SONYC and other school-based programs
- Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education (AAYTE): Flagship program combining intensive tennis and academics
- NYJTL Advantage: Summer programs preventing learning loss
- College Prep: Support for high school students navigating college admissions
- Workforce Development: Career readiness and job training for teens
Tennis + Education Model: NYJTL’s approach recognizes that tennis provides unique developmental benefits:
- Individual Sport: Personal responsibility and self-motivation
- Lifetime Activity: Skills that last beyond childhood
- Mental Toughness: Resilience and strategic thinking
- Social Skills: Respect, fair play, and graciousness
- Physical Health: Cardiovascular fitness and coordination
- Goal Setting: Working toward measurable improvement
Character Development: Beyond tennis skills, NYJTL explicitly teaches:
- Integrity and honesty
- Perseverance through challenges
- Respect for opponents and officials
- Self-discipline and focus
- Leadership and responsibility
Academic Integration: NYJTL programs include:
- Homework help and tutoring
- Literacy and math support
- College readiness preparation
- Educational workshops
- Study skills instruction
National Impact: NYJTL is recognized as a national model, with its programs studied and replicated across the country. The organization demonstrates how sports-based youth development can create meaningful, lasting change.
The program at Frederick Douglass Academy V brings this proven approach to the Bronx, giving middle schoolers the opportunity to learn tennis while developing the academic skills and character traits they need to succeed.
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Check Eligibility Confirm your child is enrolled in grades 6-8 at Frederick Douglass Academy V Middle School.
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Contact NYJTL Reach out to New York Junior Tennis & Learning or school coordinators about program enrollment.
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Complete Application Fill out enrollment forms with student information and emergency contacts.
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Submit Documentation Provide required documents including school verification and medical forms.
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Get Equipment NYJTL provides tennis equipment (rackets, balls) for program participants.
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Attend Orientation Participate in program orientation to meet coaches and learn about expectations.
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Start the Program Begin attending sessions Monday through Friday, 2:40 PM - 6:00 PM.
Directoryenrollment-packet/
- NYJTL enrollment form
- Student information sheet
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information and consent forms
- School enrollment verification
- Photo/media release form
- Code of conduct agreement
- Parent/guardian contact information
Frederick Douglass Academy V is accessible via multiple transit options:
- Subway: 2, 5 trains to West Farms Square-East Tremont Avenue (8-minute walk)
- Bus: Bx6, Bx17, Bx19, Bx21 serve the Crotona area
- Located near Crotona Park with good neighborhood connectivity
Crotona Park
Large park with tennis courts, playgrounds, pool, and recreation facilities nearby
Library
Crotona Park Library at 1685 Crotona Park E provides books and programs
Healthcare
BronxCare Health System and community health centers serve the area
Community Programs
Multiple NYJTL tennis programs and community resources throughout the Bronx
Last Updated: November 25, 2025