SPORTIME/JMTA Announce Annual Scholarship Tryout and Athletic Scouting Combine

Tryout for Aspiring Tennis Players, Ages 7-16; Athletic Scouting Combine for Talented Young Athletes With Little or No Tennis Experience, Ages 6-10

April 28, 2021 | By Press Release
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Photo Credit: Stefen Rosner/LI Tennis Magazine

 

For the ninth year, young hopefuls from across the tri-state area will be out in force at SPORTIME Randall’s Island, the John McEnroe Tennis Academy’s (JMTA) flagship location, on Saturday, June 19th, as SPORTIME and JMTA coaches seek to discover untapped tennis and athletic talent.

The goal of both the Tryout and the Athletic Scouting Combine is to award full or partial scholarships to SPORTIME and JMTA programs at SPORTIME Randall’s Island, starting in fall 2021. The event is a joint initiative of SPORTIME/JMTA and the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP). A 501(c)(3) charity, JMTP changes young lives by removing the racial, economic and social barriers to success through tennis. Offering free tennis programs and means-tested scholarships to under-resourced kids and dedicated athletes from the NY Metropolitan area, JMTP provides a pathway to success through competitive tennis, leading to college scholarships, careers in the industry and, for a few, professional tennis careers.

Open only to players with tennis experience, ages 7-16, who do not currently participate in SPOR-TIME/JMTA programs, the Tryout will take place on Saturday, June 19th from 9:00am-11:00am, with check-in at 8:00am. Participants will be evaluated by a Selection Committee, consisting of SPORTIME/JMTA directors, coaches and leaders, including JMTA Co-Directors Lawrence Kleger and Patrick McEnroe, and, of course, John McEnroe. The Tryout will include tennis and athletic drills, point/match play and athletic/fitness testing.

“The tryout and combine have become ‘can’t-miss’ events for aspiring young tennis players and athletes at various skill levels,” said JMTA Founder John McEnroe. “It’s part of our mission to make tennis available to any talented player, regardless of financial means. We’re looking forward to a great weekend and an opportunity to meet new talented athletes.”

The Athletic Scouting Combine will be held from 11:00am to 12:00pm, with check-in at 10:30am, on Saturday, June 19th, and is open to kids, ages 6-10, with little or no tennis experience, who currently excel in other sports and/or who demonstrate an above-average athletic skill set. The Combine is publicized throughout SPORTIME Randall’s Island’s neighboring communities, including East Harlem, the South Bronx and Queens, although participants from other neighborhoods are welcome. Children who have participated in the JMTP’s school and community-based programming are encouraged to attend. Participants will engage in a variety of physical tests and games, designed by SPORTIME/JMTA coaches, to assess objective, measurable capacities such as speed, strength, agility and hand-eye coordination. Other attributes such as attitude, concentration, energy and competitive spirit will be considered in the awarding of scholarships. Scholarship winners for both the Tryout and the Athletic Scouting Combine will be notified at a later date. Means testing is a requirement for JMTP scholarships, so winners will be required to submit requisite financial information prior to approval.

SPORTIME Randall’s Island and JMTP are located at One Randall’s Island, in Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan. For more information, parents of interested players/athletes can email scholarshipnyc@sportimeny.com or visit www.SportimeNY.com/JMTA.

Proper athletic attire, including footwear, is required. Subject to applicable Covid-19 related guidelines, participants will have access to locker room facilities. Water will be available on court. Currently, only snacks and athletic beverages are available on-site. SPORTIME Randall’s Island features a full-service pro shop, as well as professional stringing services. Registrants can visit for https://www.sportimeny.com/jmtascholarship online registration or to print and submit via postal mail, online form or fax.

 


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