MISSION, HISTORY AND FUTURE
Our Mission
The Greater Twin Cities Tennis Association's (GTCTA) mission to foster opportunities for all people in the greater Twin Cities area to learn about and enjoy tennis, and to experience its unique benefits as a lifelong sport.
The people of GTCTA are committed to spreading the positive influence that tennis can play in anyone's life. The values of competition, athleticism, sportmanship and friendship cut across cultural, social and economic boundaries. Tennis is for everyone.
Our History
In 1998, the Twin Cities area was chosen as one of sixteen Target Market cities by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to receive significant funding through its $60 million Plan For Growth. This plan represented a five-year commitment by the USTA to promote and develop the growth of tennis at the community level. As a result, a board of directors was assembled, staff was hired, and the GTCTA was born.
Since then, the GTCTA has promoted all aspects of tennis in the Twin Cities area. Partnerships were formed with park and recreation departments, community education departments, colleges, corporations, YMCA/YWCAs, Boy and Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, country clubs, community tennis associations (CTA), indoor tennis facilities (private and public), youth athletic associations, tennis camps, and numerous other tennis groups. The GTCTA helped these organizations to fulfill equipment needs, educate staff, develop and manage programs, advertise, and fundraise. It also served as community liaison to the USTA/Northern Section. In essence, the GTCTA is a body that made it easier for people in the Twin Cities to learn about, play, teach and coach tennis.
Furthering this tradition of assistance and education, the GTCTA conducts Development Coach Workshops benefiting coaches and teaching pros from all background serving hundreds each year. Additionally, the GTCTA continues to award thousands of dollars in grants for organizations opening tennis up to new players, and scholarships to local up-and-coming players who would otherwise have no access to court time and training.
Our Future
The future of tennis in the Twin Cities is vibrant and promising.οΎ The groundswell interest in the sport from all parts of the community has never been stronger. One of the priorities of the GTCTA is to implement a tennis website for the local community, which will serve as an information center for all tennis opportunities in the Twin Cities area. Among other features, it will include a "Players' Corner" (court directory, scholarship opportunities, tournament information) and a "Coaches' Lounge" (workshops, grants, teaching opportunities).
The GTCTA also hopes to enhance board leadership, expand its volunteer base, and continue to provide grants and scholarships that support local tennis programs and players.