Young hopefuls from across the tri-state area will be out in force at SPORTIME Randall’s Island, the John McEnroe Tennis Academy’s flagship location, on Saturday, June 25, as SPORTIME and John McEnroe Tennis Academy (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 John McEnroe Tennis Academy programs at SPORTIME Randall’s Island, starting fall 2016. 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 economic and social barriers to success through tennis. Offering free tennis programs and scholarships to under-resourced kids and dedicated athletes from the NY Metropolitan area, JMTP provides a pathway to success through competitive tennis, often leading to college scholarships, careers in the industry and, for a few, professional tennis careers.
Open solely to players with tennis experience, ages 6-16, the Tryout will begin at 9:30 AM, with check-in at 8:30 AM. Participants will be evaluated by a JMTA Selection Committee, consisting of JMTA directors, coaches and leaders. The Tryout will include tennis and athletic drills and point/match play.
“We had great success last year with the expanded tryout and combine format, which led to our meeting some established players as well as some untapped talent,” said JMTA Tennis Director Lawrence Kleger. “We expect another outstanding group of kids this year, many of whom would benefit from all that SPORTIME and JMTA have to offer.”
The Athletic Scouting Combine is open to kids, ages 5-10, with little or no tennis experience, who currently excel in other sports and/or demonstrate an above-average athletic skillset. The Combine will be held from 12:30 – 3:30 PM. The Combine is publicized throughout SPORTIME Randall’s Island’s neighboring communities, including East Harlem and the South Bronx, and 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.
SPORTIME Randall’s Island is located at One Randall’s Island, in Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan. For more information, parents of interested players/athletes can email [email protected] or visit www.JohnMcEnroeTennisAcademy.com.
Proper athletic attire, including footwear, is required. Participants will have access to locker room and shower facilities. Water will be available on court. Cafe and vending is available on-site. SPORTIME Randall’s Island features a full-service pro shop, as well as professional stringing services. Registrants can visit www.jmta.com/scholarshipnyc for online registration or to print and submit via postal mail, online form or fax.