SSTA/COMMUNITY TENNIS ASSOCIATION'S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TENNIS PROGRAMS

The long range goal is to have a Sandy Springs Youth League, a USTA pocket league, comprised of school-based teams as well as to provide the opportunity to participate on USTA and ALTA teams. SSTA hopes that, with an early introduction to tennis, SSTA's tennis players will enjoy tennis for a lifetime.

The KidsLuvTennis, started in 2008 by SSTA/CTA, provides beginner tennis and nutrition lessons to multicultural, elementary school-aged children. The purpose of KLT is to promote healthy lifestyles for a diverse population so that there may be less chance of early on-set of chronic diseases, as diabetes. KLT's success is based on partnerships with the Sandy Springs Tennis Center and with participating Sandy Springs elementary schools. Current partners are Ison Springs, Spalding Charter,Woodland, Lake Forest, and High Point. Each spring and fall, tennis lessons are taught in the gyms by pros using the USTA Quick Start format: small courts, small rackets, and low impact balls. The program is very affordable. Many are underserved children who pay a nominal fee, the rest of their fee being funded by grants, memberships, and sponsorships obtained by the Sandy Springs Tennis Association. KLT players can progress into SSTA's 10 and Under Quick Start tennis at the tennis center and then join USTA's Sandy Springs Youth League.

SSTA's 10 and Under Quick Start is for Sandy Springs elementary school kids who are ready for advanced beginner tennis at the Sandy Springs Tennis Center. The one hour lesson is taught by pros for each fall and spring, using the Quick Start format, small courts and rackets, and low impact balls. The kids register at their school.

Sandy Springs Youth League is for players who are ready to compete. SSTA, in partnership with the Sandy Springs Tennis Center, is forming a USTA pocket league. The pocket league has matches at the tennis center. Ther are 2 teams: an 8 and Under and a 10 and Under. Players who wish may also join USTA and ALTA teams.