Since 1998, the Birmingham Area Tennis Association (BATA) has provided tennis and academic opportunities to youth while improving their health and keeping them productive when out of school. BATA’s mission is to improve children's lives through tennis and education so that they can learn discipline and positive social skills, increase their self-esteem, and improve their physical fitness. In 2006, the board decided to change the name to Learning Excellence Through Tennis (LETT). The organization strives to provide quality programs to youth.
Our Programs include:
After School Program:
This program teaches children life skills such as personal responsibility, cultural awareness, nutrition, and conflict resolution, and also measures and works toward improving the fitness level of the participants. Tennis provides a way to exercise, learn sportsmanship, and teamwork; it is the hook that motivates children to participate in other program activities. One goal is to keep the same children involved for three years so there is a better chance of having a positive impact on their lives.
In School Program:
LETT instructors help introduce tennis to students who would otherwise be unlikely to play. Instructors also loan racquets, balls, and portable nets to physical education teachers, which allows them to prepare their students for the Elementary Schools Challenge Tournament. After this tournament, held each spring, the students have an opportunity to participate in follow-up programs.
Summer Program:
LETT offers summer tennis lessons for youth 7 - 18 years old. The instructors emphasize sportsmanship and teamwork, while helping players improve their basic tennis skills in preparation for an end of the summer program. Additionally, as a chapter of the National Junior Tennis League, LETT's instructors and volunteers assist children with writing essays for the annual USTA Arthur Ashe Essay Contest.
Excellence Program:
Children who have participated in one or more of LETT's programs and wish to play tennis competitively re eligible to join the year round Excellence Program. Participants are required to maintain an academic average of 2.8 and above, and must participate in Junior Team Tennis and/or tournaments to improve their playing skills.
Currently the LETT programs offer year round instruction reaching over 10,000 youth a year. We offer beginner-level tennis instruction all the way to USTA Youth Team Tennis competition. LETT has all the equipment necessary to introduce the game of tennis to any youth wanting to play. To get involved in LETT please email or contact us for participating locations in your community.
Mission: “Improving the lives of children through tennis and education”
Board:
President: Kevin Theos, Tennis Service Representative, USTA
Secretary: Julia Strain, Soft Court and USTA League Participant
Bradley R. Hightower, Attorney Christian & Small LLP
Darby Sandusky, Soft Court and USTA League Participant
Narda Harp, Marketing, Hearthstone Properties
Kimberly Stewart, Special Education Teacher,
Birmingham City Schools, Robinson Elementary
