Ever since the Williams Sisters took the sport by storm in the mid ‘90s, tennis has enjoyed an increased interest on the part of urban children all over the world.  However, the Borough of Queens has always had a very special connection to the racket.  Home of Arthur Ashe Stadium, nearly all Queens parks have at least one court, many have more.  Yet, though most local children have access to facilities for playing tennis, few have had instruction, which is crucial in such a technical game as this.  Health Plus and Youth and Tennis, Inc., have united in the past to provide many programs to help children master the sport. And with the support of Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, many more are likely to be seen in the future. 

“Proper physical education is an important part of healthy development for all children,” said Tom Early, CEO for Health Plus.  “The game of tennis is not only a way to promote strong physical health, but also a great way to learn concentration and discipline.  These are all benefits that the children involved will take with them into their adult lives. “