Providing year-Round Fitness for the Community
Since reopening under its current ownership in 1995, Cunningham Tennis and Soccer Center has been a destination for Fresh Meadows residents seeking a place to shed those winter pounds or learn a sport of a lifetime.
Nestled in Cunningham Park, the 10-court facility provides adults, children, seniors, and community groups the opportunity to play tennis indoors from October through April, along with spring and summer programs during the outdoor season Owned and operated by NYTENNIS.net, Cunningham Tennis and Soccer Center is part of the largest tennis management group in New York City. Collectively, NYTENNIS operates four other indoor facilities and two outdoor clubs. Their love of tennis is what drives the organization, and the company philosophy stresses the importance of making the sport more accessible to the public.
The Junior Development Program at CTC is the largest of its kind in the area. Under the supervision of Head Tennis Professional George Garland, over 450 children participate in instruction, match play, and tournaments each year. The three-tiered structure of the program is designed to take a complete beginner and give him or her the tools to grow as a player. It is not uncommon for many of Cunningham's former Juniors to go on to receive college scholarships.
League Director Jacqui Eaton-Garland has the adults covered. With a roster of 300 players, she coordinates matches and inspires players to compete in an atmosphere of fun and sportsmanship. She prides herself on the quality of her League, noting that the integrity of her programs depends on her individualized approach to matching up players of the same level.
Cunningham Tennis and Soccer Center not only coordinates its own high-quality programs, but it also hosts many community-based groups. Senior citizens benefit from low-cost court time, helping them stay active twelve months of the year. Other groups such as Youth and Tennis (a grass-roots, inner-city tennis and mentoring program), HERO (providing tennis for special populations), and the Filipino-American Tennis Association also benefit from Cunningham Tennis and Soccer Center's commitment to supporting the local community.
With the growing awareness of the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Cunningham Tennis and Soccer Center is a valuable resource for Fresh Meadows residents. During the winter, when other fitness opportunities are unavailable, indoor tennis is an option for people of all ages.