OUR
PROGRAMS
Our Programs
Tennis is the hook. Education is the goal.
Our tennis and education programs combine supportive environments that foster social and emotional skills that prepare them for life as well as high quality tennis training at all levels of play. As participants, students receive free access to college and career prep through Winward Academy (online SAT/ACT learning platform), tutoring, and monthly life skills workshops
Player Pipeline
Summer NJTL
After-School Program
Junior Development
Junior Competitive
Excellence
Summer NJTL
Summer NJTL is used to introduce tennis to kids from under-resourced areas. During 9 weeks in the summer, DTEA gives youth the chance to love the game of tennis in a safe and supportive space at multiple Dallas recreation centers and public courts. Along with tennis, students are consistently challenged to do their best, encouraged to foster peer relationships, and loved for who they are. At the end of the season, we host a celebratory play day where participants can enjoy the tennis skills they learned, dance, earn prizes, and enjoy a free meal!
All equipment is provided and participation is free!
The After School Program (ASP) is open to youth ages 4-18 who have little-to-no experience playing tennis. ASP is free for all participants so that as many kids from under-resourced communities as possible can access tennis and life skills lessons. Students receive a positive first tennis experience in a fun and welcoming environment where they use larger, low compression Red Balls, smaller racquets, journals, and character building children’s books. Interested participants from ASP are encouraged to join Junior Development and move up the DTEA player pipeline so they can further develop their skills.
Classes are offered for two hours per week for 30 weeks during the Dallas ISD school year and align with the district calendar. Summer NJTL offers the same experience as ASP during 9 weeks in the summer.
After School Program
Junior Development
The Junior Development program is the starting point for youth ages 4-18 who are new to tennis. Every session, players are welcomed into a fun, friendly environment where they feel encouraged and included. We use 36-foot courts and larger, lower-compression Red Balls to allow students to rally and experience success in a shorter amount of time. Through game-based activities, players build hand-eye coordination, agility, and balance while also building friendships with their peers.
Classes are offered year-round at no cost and all equipment is provided. Students only need to bring athletic shoes, water, and a great attitude! Players are able to join at any time.
Volunteer hours are required, click here to learn more.
Junior Competitive
Junior Competitive is for intermediate to advanced players who are preparing for match play competition. Students practice at least three times per week and orange, green, and yellow balls based on their level. Players work towards increasing their UTR/WTN rankings through regular competition in USTA tournaments, Junior Team Tennis, and/or School Tennis. Members of this group are required to complete community service, turn in report cards, and model good sportsmanship.
Classes are offered year-round. Yearly cost is $600 for the first student and $300 for every additional participant. Financial assistance is available. Entry is invitation or tryout only.
Volunteer hours are required, click here to learn more.
Excellence
The Excellence program is for DTEA’s highest level players belonging to Junior Competitive. At this stage, students train at least five times per week and are competing in USTA tournaments every month with the goal of getting recruited to play college tennis. Members of the DTEA Excellence Team are not only dedicated to succeeding on the court but are also leaders within the program and in the community. Students are required to complete community service and leadership development through the On the M.O.V.E. workshops.
Thanks to funding from the Nowitzki Foundation and the USTA Foundation, students receive life-changing opportunities to compete at the national level, build connections with other NJTL players, and learn from high-performance coaches and educators.
Entry is invitation only.
Volunteer hours are required, click here to learn more.
Financial Assistance
DTEA's purpose is to provide opportunities and access for students to be successful regardless of where they come from. To remain committed to reaching youth from under-resourced backgrounds and low-income communities, participation in the After School Program, Summer NJTL, and Junior Development is free with all equipment provided.
Junior Competitive is offered at a reduced cost relative to comparable programs in the DFW metroplex. The cost for 500 yearly hours of high-performance training for one player is $600-- this is less than 10% than the market rate offered by competitive clubs and academies. To remain open for all, we offer installment plans and financial assistance for committed players with demonstrated need. Families in need can also receive tournament and travel reimbursement, individual player grants, access to quality tennis equipment and gear, and other financial support.
Learn more
about our programs
DTEA Player Spotlight
"What I like most about the program is the community we have here at DTEA. Not only do my peers and I improve rapidly, we have a good time doing it. Here I have a second family and they strive me to be my best self, everyday I build my connection with each person here."
Cruz Beltran, Senior
Have You Followed Us Yet?
Stay connected with us on social media for the latest updates on upcoming events, player spotlights, and opportunities to engage with our NJTL family!
