Northwest Connecticut Tennis Academy

Things You’ve Always Wondered About Tennis So often, it’s the little facts that elude us, but we’ve collected some of the most popular ones here to satisfy your curiosity: When did tennis start? Although ancient Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians played games similar to tennis, the modern game originated in northern France between the 10th and 12th centuries, where players used the palms of their hands to strike the ball. Where did the name “tennis” originate? It’s theorized that “tennis” derives from the French word “tenez” (meaning “take it”) that was called out by French monks as they played in courtyards. Who was the most famous person who ever played tennis? Though there are many modern tennis pros, the very first famous player was King Louis X of France, who is credited with building the first indoor tennis court because he disliked playing outdoors. Have tennis balls always been yellow? Tennis balls were originally made out of strips of fabric sewn together and filled with feathers, and were either black or white, depending upon the backdrop of the court. However, in 1972, yellow tennis balls were introduced by the International Tennis Federation because they were more visible to viewers of televised games. Where is the oldest tennis court in the world? Hampton Court Palace in London boasts the oldest extant court, which was completed in 1529. King Henry VIII played on it often, and the court is still in use today by notables such as Prince Edward, the youngest brother of King Charles III. How many children in the U.S. play tennis? A survey in 2020 revealed that 5.8 percent of children aged 6-12 play tennis on a regular basis. Your child should be one of them! The fact is that tennis encourages good health, good sportsmanship, and good fun. The Northwest Connecticut Tennis Academy makes learning this ancient and noble sport a possibility for ALL children!

#Exerciseandcognitivefunctioning

The importance of connection In today’s digitally oriented society, the term “connection” has taken on a whole new meaning. Rather than referring to “in person” interactions between individuals/groups, it has come to be more closely associated with Wi-Fi networks and social media influence. In May of 2023, the Surgeon General of the United States issued an advisory related to the negative impact that social media can have on youth/adolescents. While there are some noted potential benefits such as feelings of support, and the ability to express creativity more freely, there were also many potential negative effects exposed: poor body image, exposure to hate based commentary or imagery, negative impacts to sleep, and depression.   An effective method of limiting the duration of youth exposure to social media is by otherwise occupying their time, preferably with beneficial activities that both mentally and physically stimulate them, provide tangible support, create real rather than virtual interactions, and boost self-esteem and self-confidence. One method of accomplishing this is to engage youth in organized sport activities. Through this mechanism, a child is not simply passively absorbing material, they are actively engaging. They are building mental and emotional connections to others as well as parts of themselves through highly stimulating and physically challenging activities. Most sports are capable of being adapted for those that have physical challenges, depending upon the nature of the physical challenge and the dynamics of the sport. Tennis is no different, with a minor modification to the rule structure, athletes who require wheelchairs can still participate and reap benefits.

The complex relationship between youth and sports: In a May 31, 2013 article published online by National Library of Medicine (via Open Access J Sports Med), titled; Youth Sport: Positive and Negative Impact on Young Athletes, an examination of the interrelationship of youth sports and several variables was presented along with some interesting statistics. For example, the article states in relevant part that : "Each year approximately 35% of young athletes quit participation in sport" and also that "Sports attrition rates are the highest during the transitional years of adolescence, when outside influences have the most impact." The article further presents that satisfaction surveys demonstrate that youth athletes motivation for participation focus more on "having fun", while adults have a different perspective that is focused on "winning". Here at NCTA, our emphasis is on providing an environment that is conducive to building not only the skills and coordination required to play tennis, but also the tenets of sportsmanship, drive to better oneself, and joy of participation. Culminating in a lifelong love of the game and a passion to remain active, fit, and positive. We believe that by creating a "safe harbor" for underserved youth to learn new skills, hone existing ones, build sportsmanship, and enjoy playing that we can positively influence other parts of the day to day lives of these children. If you would like to learn more about our philosophy o to inquire about how you may be able to make a positive difference in a child's life, feel free to reach out to us. JB

The Northwest Connecticut Tennis Academy is the only nonprofit organization of its kind in Litchfield County Connecticut and we serve an important need in the community, offering hope and opportunity to disadvantaged children while fostering: * Good health * Good sportsmanship, and * Preparation for university sports scholarships We are a new organization and we require strong support, sponsorship, and funding for our inception. We are giving underserved children a chance to learn the game of tennis. More importantly, we are providing them with opportunities they otherwise wouldn't have by encouraging the kind of self-esteem a child develops when they know they have something that nobody can ever take away from them. The program will also be a springboard for sports scholarships so these children can have the education to carry them wherever their dreams take them.         Our Board of Directors   Robert L. Bisson - President Technical Support Engineer, Securitas Health, Inc. Currently serving the state of Connecticut as a Justice of the Peace, Mr. Bisson is an experienced teacher of both tennis and skiing, with a lifelong love of sports. His community involvement includes a past appointment as a town commissioner in Massachusetts. He is a member of the United States Tennis Association. Joseph M. Breault - Vice President Senior Business Analyst/AVP Santander Bank N.A.(former) In addition to being a highly skilled regulatory compliance professional, Mr. Breault qualified for National and World championships every year from 1994 to 2020 and is a North American record holder for bench press in AAU Men’s Powerlifting. He brings expertise in both athletic program development and athletic training philosophies to the board. Cinzi Lavin - Secretary/Treasurer Award-Winning Musical Dramatist   A certified yoga instructor, Cinzi Lavin has served on nonprofit boards since the 1990s as part of her ongoing commitment to volunteerism. She has received both state and national awards for her artistic excellence, influence on American culture, and exceptional charitable contributions. In 2010, she performed by invitation at the White House. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. OUR MISSION:  To establish an academy in Litchfield County to teach tennis at free or drastically reduced rates to underserved children  in order to promote love of the game and accessibility to all. The Northwest Connecticut  Tennis Academy  is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity. We are a nonprofit organization. Donations are tax-deductible. (Check with your tax professional for details.) We are proud to have earned a PLATINUM Transparency Seal on Candid, the world's largest database of nonprofit organizations. The Platinum Seal is the highest-rated seal, and less than 1% of nonprofit organizations in the U.S. are awarded it. The seal indicates that an organization exceeds nonprofit industry standards and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public.