ICJTP seeks to enhance the opportunity for inner city and Greater Pittsburgh youths to realize their full potential, develop life skills and gain tennis competencies



Our Mission

The Inner City Junior Tennis Program (ICJTP) seeks to enhance the opportunity for inner city and Greater Pittsburgh youths to realize their full potential, develop life skills and gain tennis competencies.

Our Program

Our program is lead by a team of nationally certified tennis professionals that have been USTA Safe Play approved.

ICJTP offers a two-dimensional program, having both an introductory track and a competitive track. We provide superior teaching and appropriate progression of development by
age and ability, as well as a commitment to developing all youth, regardless of economic status. The children are provided with many benefits according to their needs and abilities, including: racquets, sponsorship to nationally recognized tennis camps, and countless hours in a powerfully positive environment.  

The Introductory Track operates year-round teaching tennis fundamentals and is the only tennis program in Pittsburgh to offer free indoor court time in the winter months. Participants in this track include beginners through advanced, non-competitive players.

The Competitive Track Program has been providing informal support to students who play in high school, local junior tournaments, and/or USTA sanctioned and non-sanctioned events. 


Our Goals and Objectives

The goal of ICJTP is to work with potentially high-risk youth in and around the city of Pittsburgh and offer them an alternative to the negative influences that are plaguing today’s youths and their living environment.

We seek:

·         to introduce tennis to inner city and Greater Pittsburgh children who are between the ages of 5 and 18

·         to provide them with weekly “best in class” year-round instruction

·         to develop competitive players

·         to provide our participants with a positive experience that encourages strong academic performance and enhances life skills

·         to expose all participants to other individuals from various communities within greater Pittsburgh from various socioeconomic backgrounds

Our program is structured to be a sustainable long-term resource for the youth of Pittsburgh.

2025-2026 Fall/Winter Schedule


Our Leadership Team

  • Joe Washington - President, Chair of the Board, and Executive Director
  • Richard Parks - Vice President and Board of Directors
  • Frederick Crawford - Secretary and Board of Directors
  • Aaron Washington - Treasurer and Board of Directors
  • Martha Hall - Board of Directors
  • Rachael Link - Board of Directors
  • Daryl Mendenhall - Board of Directors
  • Eric Ruka - Board of Directors

Lead Partners & Sponsors