Texas Tennis and Education Foundation: Texas Tennis Foundation and USTA

Texas Tennis Foundation and USTA Texas Section Merge Efforts and Funds to Create the Competitive Junior Player Travel Program

$20,000 to be Awarded in 2005

2/25/05 - A new grant program known as the Texas Tennis Foundation's Junior Competitive Player Travel Grant creates opportunity. The purpose of the grant is to support exceptional young developing competitive tennis players by assisting them with a portion of their travel expenses to National Junior Tournament Schedule or ITF events.

This program is not entirely new, but a variation of one that has been in place for the past 5 years, funded and administered by the USTA Texas Section. In collaborative sessions, members of the Junior Tennis Council and Texas Tennis Foundation addressed the needs and effects of the previous program and jointly came to the conclusion that the stipend set aside for all qualified players was not satisfying the true need. In addition, the Texas Tennis Foundation was awarding additional travel grants to talented players of need who applied, on a case by case evaluation. Hence, it was decided to combine efforts and open the grant process up by publicizing the availability of funds thus encouraging the ability of all developing players with financial needs to receive necessary assistance enabling them to compete on a national and international level.

It became increasingly apparent that young competitive Texas tennis players showing talent and ability need the opportunity to gain a competitive edge by playing competition outside their section on a national and international level - enabling them to reach their true potential. The previously offered program funding cost of $10,000 per year will be matched dollar for dollar and administered by the Texas Tennis Foundation, thus increasing the requirement of total funding to $20,000.

The goal now at hand is to identify top players in need of financial assistance and provide them with a meaningful grant to defray significant portions of their travel expense to national and/or international events. Applications are being accepted now for the second allocation period and note that the deadline is May 1, 2005. Applications are available via download on this website.

Two of the nine recipients selected for the first of three allocation periods for 2005 are the Alexander sisters, Megan, #1 in Texas Girls' 18 and #1 Nationally in Girls'18, and Jessica, #1 in Texas Girls'14 and #15 Nationally in Girl's 14, from Tyler. Both girls have plans set to compete in either upcoming national or ITF scheduled events. We wish them the best of luck and know that they will represent Texas well.

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Wed, Mar 31 4:18 pm