News & Press

SPORTIME VBC provides young athletes, ages 7-18, with a comprehensive training program designed to introduce the game in a fun, competitive learning environment, supervised by the best volleyball coaches on Long Island. VBC players have opportunities to train and play indoors, year-round, and during the summer months, outdoors on the beach and grass as well. Our vast array of competitive and developmental team programs provides boys and girls of various ages and skill levels the opportunity to learn, play and develop a true passion for the game.

VBC players also received program discounts on summer camps and clinics, and private training. Visit our official site for more information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 13, 2023
www.nyc.gov/parks

NYC PARKS & SPORTIME UNVEIL UPGRADES AT POOR RICHARD’S PLAYGROUND
Reconstruction project added new kids’ instructional tennis courts, refurbished basketball courts and play area

NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and Sportime were joined by Community Board 11, local schoolchildren, and community members today to unveil the newly revamped Poor Richard’s Playground in East Harlem.

A reconstruction project of more than $1.4 million, funded by Sportime, created five new “red ball” kid-sized tennis courts, which will be used to introduce young children to the sport. It also included full asphalt replacement of the playground’s multipurpose play areas and repainting of the site’s basketball courts, as well as replacement of backboards and nets. New fencing, benches, and a water fountain were also added.

Read the full release

This fantastic event was such a great way to celebrate the opening of our 12 brand new, climate-controlled, indoor pickleball courts, making SPORTIME Randall's Island the largest indoor pickleball facility in New York City. The spirit of competition, sportsmanship and camaraderie was incredible and we look forward to hosting this amazing annual event again in 2024!

Winner's List

Mens Doubles 4.0+ : $1010 Prize Money Event

1st place

• Dean Papakonstantis
• Nick Stone

2nd place

• Eric Landau
• Xiao Han

3rd place

• James Lin
• James Peng

Mens Doubles: 3.0 To 3.5

1st place

• Dennis DaCosta
• Rex Herzberg

2nd place

• nicholas asaro
• Richard Asaro

3rd place

• Brian Suazo
• Jan Lei Saret

Mens Doubles: 3.5 To 4.0

1st Place

• Schuyler Yost
• Ben Rudnitsky

2nd place

• Matthew Kramer
• Logan Kramer

3rd place

• Rostislav Rar
• Uladzimir Ryzhko

Mens Doubles: 4.0

1st place

• Jason Seidenberg
• Jordan Engel

2nd place

• Marco DiAddezio
• Thomas Hoyt

3rd place

• Kevin Schwenzfeier
• Adam Schwenzfeier

Mixed Doubles 4.0+ : $1010 Prize Money Event

1st place

• Laura Zhang
• Len Yang

2nd place

• Noelle Ramirez
• Eric Landau

3rd place

• Lindsey Thoeng
• Taylor Stockton

Mixed Doubles: 3.0 To 3.5

1st place

• Susan Choo
• John Immello

2nd place

• Sarah Madriaga
• Brian Suazo

3rd place

• Kaitlyn Caicedo
• Rains Jordan

Mixed Doubles: 3.5 To 4.0

1st place

• Alexa Hurtado
• Derek Schear

2nd place

• Olenka Olesnycky
• Phuc Nguyen

3rd place

• Kathya Preciado
• Dustin Soliven

Womens Doubles 4.0+ : $1010 Prize Money Event

1st place

• Stephanie Bramer
• Jessica Hendry

2nd place

• Van Soawesome Nguyen
• Lindsey Thoeng

3rd place

• Noelle Ramirez
• Kathryn Taylor

Womens Doubles: 3.0 To 3.5

1st place

• Jennifer Walsh
• Rose Gardner

2nd place

• marie Devica caliboso
• Sarah Madriaga

3rd place

• Linda Vonderlieth
• Dawn Angermaier

Womens Doubles: 3.5 To 4.0

1st place

• Yael Yonah
• Danielle Goldwert

2nd place

• Helen Bernstein
• Karyn Pek

3rd place

• Elisabeth Alter
• Liliana Sholly

SPORTIME Clubs and Hornig Capital Partners Partner to Develop Pickleball Facilities throughout the Northeast, to be Operated Under the Brand SPORTIME Pickleball  
For Immediate Release - New York, October 2, 2023: SPORTIME Clubs and Hornig Capital Partners announced today that they have signed a partnership agreement to establish a new company, SPORTIME Pickleball, LLC, that will develop and operate state-of-the-art, standalone, pickleball facilities in the tri-state area under the SPORTIME brand. The joint venture is a collaboration of SPORTIME Clubs, the largest and most sophisticated operator of racket sports facilities and programs in the Northeast, including the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, and Hornig Capital Partners, a NY-based real estate development company with a track record of success in developing value added properties. 

SPORTIME Pickleball is currently preparing to offer a limited $14 million tranche of founding partner equity to qualified investors, and has executed a long-term lease for a site under development in Armonk, NY, scheduled to open in 2024. SPORTIME Pickleball is currently negotiating 8 lease transactions on Long Island and in Westchester, Connecticut, New Jersey and NYC, with the goal of having more than a dozen dedicated pickleball centers in operation by the end of 2027. Claude Okin, President & CEO of Sportime Clubs, explains, “for SPORTIME, this is a natural expansion of our business and allows us to utilize existing talent and expertise across racket sports lines. There are inexperienced pickleball start-ups everywhere at the moment, but we plan to leverage our 35-year advantage to offer the best pickleball facilities and programs and to acquire dominant market share in the geographies where we do business and nearby.”

SPORTIME Pickleball will operate dedicated indoor and outdoor pickleball sites throughout the Northeast, and expects to become the dominant pickleball club operator in the area and beyond, leveraging SPORTIME’s existing infrastructure, which already includes 70 pickleball courts, management and programming expertise and player database of more than 30,000 active members/players. SPORTIME recently opened the largest indoor pickleball facility in New York State at their Port Washington facility, consisting of 12 dedicated courts. Each SPORTIME Pickleball location will feature 10-20 state-of-the-art pickleball courts that will be available for social and competitive open play sessions, court-time rentals, tournaments, clinics, instruction, and private events. Some locations will feature restaurant and event spaces, which will be operated by food and beverage partners. 

“We are continuing to see terrific growth in all racket sports, but especially in the unprecedented boom of pickleball. In response, SPORTIME is committed to bringing world-class pickleball facilities to our markets and beyond,” explained Okin. “Our goal in pickleball, as in tennis, is to develop lifelong and committed players, who choose SPORTIME Pickleball locations to enjoy best-in-class facilities, instructional programs, customer care and amenities. We plan to grow our pickleball capacity as quickly as possible, and we are launching this new undertaking with the team at Hornig Capital Partners, who are experts in real estate development and planning.” 

Daren Hornig, Managing Partner of Hornig Capital Partners shared, “I am thrilled to be partnering with SPORTIME to help to build a business around a sport that I love, in markets that I know very well. My role is to source the best locations and to negotiate the best possible leases or acquisitions for our growing network of dedicated pickleball clubs.” Hornig added, “It is very exciting to be participating in this joint venture with SPORTIME Clubs, as they represent the gold standard of excellence in racket sports facilities and programs in the Northeast. The pickleball boom is bringing more people to the court every day, and SPORTIME Pickleball will be providing high quality facilities and programs for our communities to embrace and enjoy.”

For more information, email info@SportimePickleball.com. 

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About SPORTIME Clubs  
Since 1994, SPORTIME has been proud to operate the finest tennis and sports facilities in New York State. SPORTIME’s 15 club locations most recently expanded to include the iconic Port Washington Tennis Academy, now SPORTIME Port Washington. SPORTIME currently offers 194 indoor and outdoor tennis courts and 70 pickleball courts, as well as rinks, turf, camps, gyms and more, at sites across Long Island, in NYC, in Westchester and in the NY Capital Region. SPORTIME clubs are state-of-the-art, yet affordable, and feature the best tennis, sports and fitness facilities and programs, including the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) and SPORTIME Volleyball Club (VBC). SPORTIME clubs serve individuals of every age and athletic ability, 365 days a year. Learn more: www.sportimeny.com. 

About Hornig Capital Partners  
Based in New York, Hornig Capital Partners LLC (HCP) is a privately held real estate investment and development firm specializing in value-added opportunities throughout the United States. Led by Daren Hornig, a real estate industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience, HCP pursues purchases of fee simple interest assets, as well as select joint venture structures, with capital appreciation opportunities and risk-adjusted returns. HCP also invests in assets for long-term property appreciation and to effectively recapitalize existing properties with owners to maximize returns. In the past ten years, HCP has successfully closed on more than $1 billion worth of property and development projects. Most recently, HCP purchased the iconic Port Washington Tennis Academy and successfully leased and partnered with Sportime Clubs to create the SPORTIME Port Washington, featuring over 200,000 square feet of tennis and pickleball courts and amenities; the largest racket sports center on Long Island. 
 

Head into the new season with the right gear. From October 9th - October 9th, visit a SPORTIME Pro Shop near you and save 40% on all tennis bags while supplies last.  Hurry!

On August 26th, the 9th Annual JMTP Tennis Pro Am Tournament took center stage at SPORTIME Amagansett. With doors opening at 1:00pm, the event buzzed with excitement for a day of tennis excellence for a great cause, the Johnny Mac Tennis Project.

The tournament featured a star-studded lineup of 128 pro and amateur players, including tennis legends John and Patrick McEnroe, Jim Courier, James Blake, Rennae Stubbs, Andrea Petkovic, Mats Wilander, and Christina McHale. The courts came alive with intense matches that showcased the blend of skill and passion that defines tennis.

The tournament's structure consisted of 8 flights: the Legends Flight showcased tennis icons, while the Non-advancing Flight allowed players to participate without the pressure of advancement. The 6 Regular Flights delivered intense doubles play, with 12-minute rounds and a unique scoring system that ensured fairness and excitement.

But the event wasn't just about competition; it was a celebration of tennis camaraderie. Spectators relished in thrilling matches while enjoying delectable food and refreshing drinks. 
The JMTP Pro Am After Party extended the festivities, featuring an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, and music by DJ David Katz. The night also included a meaningful live auction, with ticket proceeds benefiting the Johnny Mac Tennis Project.

In a nutshell, the 2023 JMTP Tennis Pro Am Tournament encapsulated the essence of tennis excellence, camaraderie, and giving back. As the sun set on a day of remarkable sportsmanship and connection, it marked another successful chapter in the event's legacy of providing game changing tennis opportunities for inner city kids and communities and promoting aspiring tennis players.

For more information or to get involved with the Johnny Mac Tennis Project, visit www.jmtpny.org.
 

For Immediate Release - New York, August 23, 2023: SPORTIME Randall’s Island, New York City’s  premiere tennis facility, is adding 12 indoor pickleball courts this fall and to kick off this exciting effort, in partnership with NYC Pickleball, set to host the largest indoor pickleball tournament in New York for the 1010 WINS Inaugural Pickleball Tournament.

New York’s leader for news and information, 1010 WINS is set to hold their inaugural Pickleball Tournament, in partnership with SPORTIME and NYC Pickleball, at SPORTIME Randall’s Island brand new indoor pickleball courts September 30, 2023. This event, in partnership with SPORTIME and NYC Pickleball, will be one of the biggest indoor pickleball events in Manhattan this year.

Cash prizes of $1010 will be awarded to the top players in each division of competition, including men’s doubles, mixed doubles, and women’s doubles. 90-minute pre-tournament clinic for beginner and advanced beginner levels.

Raffles, Giveaways, Sponsor Booths and more:
CasaMigos Tequila, The Good Feet Store, NYC Pain, LifeVac, E-Boost Energy, Amazon Hub, NY Institute of Technology, Rothman Orthopedics

Details
What:  1010 WINS Pickleball Tournament 
When:   Saturday, September 30th
Where:  SPORTIME Randall’s Island, NYC - SportimeNY.com/NYC
Registration Opens: Wednesday, August 23rd
Registration closes:  September 26rd
More Info:  www.1010WINS.com/pickleball
For tournament entry fees, schedules and more:  https://pickleballbrackets.com/ptd.aspx?eid=653AED75-DE49-4BA1-9DE0-3BBA2B772DE5 

SPORTIME Randall’s Island is located at 1 Randall’s Island, NY. For more information, visit  www.SportimeNY.com/Manhattan or to communicate with a member of our Pickleball team, email  pickleballnyc@sportimeny.com.  

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About SPORTIME Pickleball 
As New York State’s leader for tennis and racket sports, SPORTIME has been excited to welcome the fastest  growing sport in the Country, pickleball, to our clubs, and to apply our 35 years of experience and expertise in  racket sports and multi-sport programming and coaching, and in club management, to this fast growing market  segment. SPORTIME clubs currently offer 50 pickleball courts at 8 SPORTIME facilities, already making us one  of the largest pickleball providers in New York State. SPORTIME’s newest club, SPORTIME Port Washington, will  feature a renovated 12-court pickleball facility, the largest pickleball center on Long Island. We are planning the  addition of more than 100 additional pickleball courts at new and existing SPORTIME locations in the next two to  three years, including the 12 courts in NYC at SPORTIME Randall’s Island.  

About SPORTIME Clubs 
Since 1994, SPORTIME has been proud to operate the finest tennis and sports facilities in New York State.  SPORTIME’s 15 club locations, most recently expanded to include the iconic Port Washington Tennis Academy,  now SPORTIME Port Washington, currently offer 194 indoor and outdoor tennis courts and 50 pickleball courts,  as well as rinks, turf, camps, gyms and more, at sites across Long Island, in NYC, in Westchester and in the NY  Capital Region. SPORTIME clubs are state-of-the-art, yet affordable, and feature the best tennis, sports and  fitness facilities and programs, including the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) and SPORTIME Volleyball  Club (VBC). SPORTIME clubs serve individuals of every age and athletic ability, 365 days a year. Learn more:  www.sportimeny.com.
 

Tennis legend Patrick McEnroe held a tennis clinic at Lexington Academy on Thursday August 18, 2023 for inner-city children in order to showcase tennis as not just a sport, but a gateway to life skills and opportunities.

A collaboration between Patrick McEnroe, the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP), SPORTIME, the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, the Children's Aid Society and Union Settlement, to promote tennis as part of a summer youth initiative.

Key figures such as New York City Councilmember Diana Ayala and the children from the Children's Aid Society of New York also attended the event, and their participation underscored the significance of this initiative for the community.

The overarching objective of the Johnny Mac Tennis Project is to remove the racial, social, and economic barriers that stand in the way of the sport of tennis, especially for the children in NYC's under-resourced communities. The sheer impact of JMTP’s efforts shines through its achievements - since its inception, the project has positively influenced the lives of over 10,000 kids through its community programs.

The commitment to fostering community growth, development, and positive change is evident in this initiative. For those looking to learn more about the Johnny Mac Tennis Project and its invaluable contributions, further details are available at https://www.jmtpny.org/.
 

SPORTIME continued our commitment to the growth of Pickleball by hosting an IPTPA training certification workshop at our tennis and pickleball facility in Port Washington, NY.

20 tennis coaches, many of them international, from 7 different SPORTIME locations, participated in the 9 hour training session, designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to introduce and teach Pickleball to beginner and advanced beginner players. With 50 pickleball courts currently and 17 more on the way by October, we are positioning ourselves to be a true leader in this growing industry.

If you are interested in a career in Pickleball with SPORTIME, please click here for open opportunities.

Contact your SPORTIME Club or Proshop to take advantage of this offer while supplies last.  Offer expires 8/11/23.

For Immediate Release - New York, July 26, 2023: The club where legends John McEnroe, Patrick McEnroe, Vitas Gerulaitis, Mary Carillo and Tracy Austin, among others, trained as juniors now part of the SPORTIME Clubs Family of Racket Sport Facilities

SPORTIME, the New York area’s most substantial operator of state-of-the-art racket sports facilities, today announced that a $7 million renovation and modernization of the former Port Washington Tennis Academy, which launched the careers of John McEnroe, his brother Patrick McEnroe, who Co-Directs the John McEnroe Tennis Academy and serves as President of both the Johnny Mac Tennis Project charity and the International tennis Hall of Fame, Vitas Gerulaitis, Tracy Austin and other legends. The facility will now be rebranded SPORTIME Port Washington and will be the Long Island home of The John McEnroe Tennis Academy.

“Our new Port Washington facility has been a part of American tennis history on every level, and a part of the history of the McEnroe family. We are proud to be able to make this restorative investment and to return this iconic facility to elite status,” said SPORTIME CEO Claude Okin. “Bringing the Port Washington facility into the SPORTIME family of clubs, and bringing Johnny Mac back to Port, along with the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, will truly link the past with the future in Port Washington. Our belief is that our investment and expanded commitment on Long Island will be great for local players and families, and for the racket sports business here.”  

“The Port Washington Tennis Academy, now SPORTIME Port Washington, is a special New York place that is part of tennis history, and was a big part of my life and my brothers’ lives when we were training as juniors, " said tennis legend John McEnroe. “I am thrilled to be able to expand my Academy to Port Washington, a full circle moment for me. I look forward to supporting and mentoring a new generation of talented and motivated young players there, and across the tri-state area.”

Upon completion of the facility renovations, currently underway, SPORTIME Port Washington will provide SPORTIME members and guests, and John McEnroe Tennis Academy students, with 7 beautiful soft-surface, Har-Tru tennis courts, 6 new hard-surface tennis courts and 12 new, dedicated, pickleball courts in their own building. These upgrades, along with countless others, and with SPORTIME’s introduction of John McEnroe Tennis Academy programming, will make SPORTIME Port Washington a premier destination for adult and junior tennis and pickleball on Long Island.

Scheduled to be completed by September 2023, SPORTIME’s $7 million dollar + facility improvement project will include the following:

• New or refurbished roofs for all buildings
• New court building interiors with upgraded insulation in all buildings
• New and improved court lighting in all buildings
• Upgraded locker rooms
• New, easily accessible bathroom locations, in addition to the locker rooms, near courts and dining areas
• New HVAC systems serving the entire facility - all court buildings will now be air-conditioned, providing comfortable temperatures and dehumidification year-round
• Conversion of 6 existing Har-Tru courts to 6 new, cushioned, oversized hard courts, so that our future John McEnroe Tennis Academy stars, and adult players, can play, train and compete on both surfaces

The John McEnroe Tennis Academy now has its second Long Island location at SPORTIME Port Washington, 100 Harbor Road, Port Washington, NY.  For more information, visit www.SportimeNY.com/portwashington.

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About the John McEnroe Tennis Academy
In September 2010, tennis legend John McEnroe and SPORTIME partnered to launch the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, in John’s hometown of New York City, at the SPORTIME Randall's Island Tennis Center in Manhattan. SPORTIME Randall's Island is SPORTIME’s flagship location, and the flagship location of the Academy. In September 2012, JMTA expanded to SPORTIME Lake Isle, an 8-court, state-of-the-art, year-round facility in lower Westchester, and to SPORTIME Syosset in central Long Island, an 11-court indoor facility that has long served as SPORTIME’s high performance training center on Long Island. In 2013, JMTA Summer Tennis Training was added in the Hamptons, at SPORTIME Amagansett, SPORTIME’s 34-court, seasonal, outdoor tennis facility in the Town of East Hampton. With the satellite locations, the JMTA brand is currently featured at 4 sites with a total of 77 tennis courts, serving approximately 1,500 players annually and, as of September 2023, will be featured at 5 sites with a total of 96 courts, serving more than 2,000 players annually. Learn more: www.sportimeny.com/jmta.

John's passion and belief is that great players can be developed in urban and suburban settings, while still having the opportunity to live at home, pursue their educational goals, and participate in a variety of extracurricular activities. The Academy works to recruit the most talented and the most highly motivated young athletes in the New York Metropolitan area and beyond. Inspired by the vision and presence of Johnny Mac, under the guidance of JMTA Managing Director, Bennett Schlansky, executed daily by Co-Directors Patrick McEnroe and Lawrence Kleger, and featuring an international staff of tennis, athletic training and performance directors and coaches, JMTA delivers a complete on and off-court training program, and develops complete players. JMTA includes off-court athletic training, mental toughness, video analytics, educational seminars, college placement assistance and more, designed to assure the best possible outcome for elite junior players, and for other committed players striving to be the best that they can be. JMTA’s youngest students, who train with red and orange balls on 36’ and 60’ courts, participate in cutting-edge Mac Red and Mac Orange programs designed by world-renowned U-10 visionary Mike Barrell, now SPORTIME’s Executive Director of Tennis, and executed by SPORTIME/JMTA’s expert U-10 directors and coaches.

About SPORTIME Clubs
Since 1994, SPORTIME has been proud to operate the finest tennis and sports facilities in New York State. SPORTIME’s 15 club locations, most recently expanded to include the iconic Port Washington Tennis Academy, now SPORTIME Port Washington, currently offer 194 indoor and outdoor tennis courts and 62 pickleball courts, as well as rinks, turf, camps, gyms and more, at sites across Long Island, in NYC, in Westchester and in the NY Capital Region. SPORTIME clubs are state-of-the-art, yet affordable, and feature the best tennis, sports and fitness facilities and programs, including the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) and SPORTIME Volleyball Club (VBC). SPORTIME clubs serve individuals of every age and athletic ability, 365 days a year. Learn more: www.sportimeny.com.

A New York native, Lisa has excelled at a variety of sports, including pickleball, paddleball, tennis, softball and paddle tennis. Lisa is a member of the Paddleball Hall of Fame, but, a few years ago she shifted her focus to playing and teaching pickleball exclusively, and she has achieved great success in prestigious tournaments across the Tri-State area and nationwide. As a Professional Pickleball Registry certified pickleball coach, Lisa enjoys introducing newcomers to the game and helping players of all ages and levels improve and compete. Lisa is a devoted ambassador for the sport, and SPORTIME is excited to have her at the helm of pickleball at its flagship facility in NYC!

SPORTIME Randall’s Island is in the final stages of a facility expansion, which includes the addition of 10 new tennis courts, making the 30-court facility one of the largest in the world. In an effort to respond to the unprecedented growth of pickleball, and to welcome NYC pickleball players, SPORTIME will retrofit five of its bubbled, hard-surface, tennis courts, so that those courts can also provide 12 hybrid pickleball courts, which will be available for pickleball players to enjoy seven days a week.  

“Pickleball is a natural expansion of our racket sports business in NYC and at our clubs across New York State, and we are thrilled to be bringing the first large-scale, indoor, pickleball facility to NYC,” explains SPORTIME CEO & President, Claude Okin. “Our goal is to welcome thousands of NYC’s most committed picklers during the indoor season, so that they can keep playing all year and experience the best-in-class facilities, programs and amenities that SPORTIME has to offer!” Added Okin, “With the unveiling of our $45 million expansion project at Randall’s Island this fall, and the addition of pickleball, SPORTIME hopes to be the go-to destination for racket sports players of all ages and abilities to learn and enjoy our lifetime sports.”  

Pickleball players of all levels will have the opportunity to improve their games, to join social and competitive, level-based group play, to rent courts seasonally or by the hour, and to enjoy a host of special events and tournaments throughout the year. SPORTIME tennis and pickleball members enjoy great benefits, including 7-day advanced court-time reservations, member pricing on lessons and events and access to SPORTIME Pickleball programming.  

Contact Lisa by emailing lscotti@sportimeny.com or calling (212) 427-6150.

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SPORTIME Randall’s Island, the NYC home of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, is in the final stages of a $45 million expansion that will make the 30-court facility the largest indoor tennis club and training facility in NYC and in the world.   In an effort to accommodate unprecedented demand from millions of NYC pickleball enthusiasts, SPORTIME will retrofit 5 of its bubbled hard-surface tennis courts so that those courts can also provide 12, oversized, hybrid pickleball courts, which will be available for pickleball players to enjoy 7 days a week at designated times.  

Players of all levels will have the opportunity to learn the game of pickleball and to improve their games, to join social and level based group play, to rent courts seasonally or by the hour, and to enjoy a host of special events and tournaments throughout the year. SPORTIME tennis and pickleball members will enjoy great pickleball benefits, including 7-day advanced court-time booking privileges, member pricing on lessons and events and access to SPORTIME pickleball programming.    

SPORTIME Randall’s Island is located at 1 Randall’s Island, in Manhattan.  For more information, visit www.SportimeNY.com/Manhattan. To communicate with a member of our Pickleball team, email pickleballnyc@sportimeny.com.  

The weather did not dampen the 7th season for the acclaimed JMTA College Recruiting Combine hosted at SPORTIME Randall’s Island. The past weekend of June 24th and 25th witnessed a grand display of skill, talent, and potential at the much-anticipated event. For two days, the spotlight shone on the future stars of collegiate tennis.

More than a tennis event, the JMTA College Recruiting Combine is an arena where ambition meets opportunity; a place where players from across the country come to compete, impress, and connect. 

Click here for the gallery.

This Combine could not have been possible without the coaches who took the time out of their busy schedules to evaluate these promising athletes. They offered insightful feedback, their valuable time, and, most importantly, the opportunity for these young talents to prove themselves. We'd like to extend our gratitude to each one of them for their participation and commitment.

As we reflect on the success of the 7th Annual JMTA College Tennis Recruiting Combine, we’d also like to take some time to thank our sponsors that played a significant role in shaping this unforgettable experience.

Our partners, UTR Powered by Oracle, deserve a special mention for providing the digital platform that aided us in managing the event. The detailed player profiles and the comprehensive rating system ensured a fair evaluation of all participants.

A special acknowledgement goes to TennisAnalytics for stepping in with their top-tier live-streaming capabilities. Their exceptional service enabled coaches who couldn't attend in person to witness the talent firsthand, ensuring that no swing, serve, and volley was missed.

We’d also like to extend our thanks to the College Planning Alliance for organizing a financial aid seminar on planning and college aid. It proved incredibly beneficial for both athletes and their parents, providing valuable guidance in navigating the complexities of college expenses.

Gold Coast Vision Performance for conducting comprehensive vision testing for all athletes. Their contribution is greatly appreciated as it helped identify potential vision concerns, emphasizing the importance of eye health in sports.

Our thanks also extends to Nike, Head, Solinco, and Penn for providing the players with top-notch tennis equipment. The premium rackets, balls, and other gear ensured that the athletes had everything they needed to perform at their peak.

Each sponsor contributed to the seamless execution of the Combine, elevating the experience for the players, coaches, parents, and everyone else involved. We are thankful for their support, and look forward to continuing these partnerships for future Combines.

The JMTA College Tennis Recruiting Combine's primary objective has always been to facilitate a space where athletes can showcase their skills in front of college coaches, and this year was no different. We can’t wait to see how these athletes progress and are eager to welcome another set of talented players next year.
 

We are excited to announce that we will be offering Pickleball this Summer at both of our SPORTIME Westchester clubs! SPORTIME offers pickleball players and enthusiasts of all levels the opportunity to learn, compete, or just play for fun at two locations. SPORTIME Lake Isle offers 4 hybrid pickleball courts on soft-surface, Har-Tru, courts and SPORTIME Harbor Island offers 4 oversized pickleball courts on a dedicated hard-court surface.

As most of you are likely aware, Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in history. Its amazing popularity is due to its easy accessibility and its appeal to players of all ages and skill levels. At social levels, pickleball is easy to learn and enjoy quickly - at more advanced levels, its fast pace and strategic play is highly energetic and competitive. Click here to view our full pickleball menu for the 2023 Summer Season and get in on the craze that is sweeping the Nation!

We look forward to seeing you on the courts soon. Please scroll down for more info, and always feel free to reach out with any questions or for personal assistance – we are here to help!

Contact:

Jonny Fintak
Pickleball Coach
SPORTIME Westchester
jfintak@sportimeny.com 

This year's Scholarship Tryouts for the 2023-24 season brought out players across the Island, Connecticut and beyond. While full and partial scholarships were limited, the talent was incredible. The tryouts marked an incredible opportunity for aspiring tennis players to showcase their skills, determination, and passion for the sport.

The JMTP Scholarship Tryouts featured a team of skilled tennis pros and coaches who evaluated the participants' performance. The evaluation process was rigorous, with the coaches meticulously analyzing every aspect of the participants' game - technical proficiency, strategic decision-making, physical fitness, mental resilience, and overall potential.

Throughout the day, unforgettable moments unfolded as the athletes pushed themselves to their limits, but that’s not all. The tryouts were not just about intense competition and evaluation; they also provided moments of camaraderie and sportsmanship. Playing incredible rallies, precise serves, and lightning-fast footwork, the players proved that they were more than capable of stepping onto the tennis stage.

The JMTP Scholarship Tryouts at SPORTIME Syosset was an extraordinary showcase of young talent, determination, and love for tennis. It was a day filled with unforgettable moments, where participants proudly displayed their skills.

With the JMTP Scholarship program, they have the opportunity to embark on an amazing journey, guided by experienced coaches, and propel themselves towards a future of excellence. All winners of this year’s tryouts will be announced at the end of July.

It was great to see many of you over the beautiful holiday weekend. Summer is here!

I am writing to share that this coming Saturday night, June 3rd, Hana and I are being honored by the wonderful, local organization, the Retreat, at their annual All Against Abuse Gala Benefit. The Retreat is a volunteer-founded, not-for-profit, social service agency, in its fourth decade providing critically needed, 24-hour, emergency help and shelter, along with counseling and legal services, to victims of domestic and relationship violence. SPORTIME is proud to have been a friend and supporter of the Retreat since its inception.

Hana and I both feel a bit embarrassed about receiving this honor, as well as totally undeserving. Our support of the Retreat has been heartfelt, not at all about personal recognition, and really the least we can do. Not to mention that longtime SPORTIME members like Steve Bergerson, and others, have inspired us with their dedication as Retreat Board Members. The work that the Retreat does is really so important and essential.

Last year, SPORTIME member, Markie Hancock, also a Retreat Board Member, made a wonderful documentary film about the founding of the Retreat, and the work that it does, titled "The Power of Community: How One Town Stood Against Domestic Violence", which was featured at the Hamptons International Film Festival. The above is all to say, although we have had flyers and invitations to the event prominently displayed at the club, we have maybe been a little too quiet about it. The Gala is taking place next Saturday evening, from 6pm-8pm, at The Church, in Sag Harbor. You can read more about it by clicking here. and you can also access a terrific silent auction, with lots of great local items, and more, by clicking here.

For those of you who are going to be around next weekend, and who may not have been aware of the event, or for those who have not yet committed, please consider joining us in Sag Harbor next Saturday at 6pm for cocktails, delicious food, great conversation, and more, to support The Retreat. If you are unable to be a last-minute guest or sponsor, then please bid or give.

Thank you so much for anything you can do, and hope to see you there.

Sincerely,
Claude & Hana

New York, May 9, 2023:  The Johnny Mac Tennis Project and SPORTIME/ John McEnroe Tennis Academy Present their Annual Scholarship Tryout and Athletic Scouting Combine at SPORTIME Randall's Island, Saturday June 17th 
Tryout for Aspiring Tennis Players, Ages 7-16, JMTP and SPORTIME/ JMTA will Award Full and Partial Scholarships to Selected Tryout and Combine Participants for the 2023-2024 Season at SPORTIME Randall's Island.

For the eleventh year, young hopefuls from across the tri-state area will be out in force at SPORTIME Randall's Island, the flagship location of the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA), on Saturday, June 17th, as JMTA coaches seek to discover untapped tennis and athletic talent.

The goal of both the tryout and the combine is to find young players who are deserving of full or partial scholarships to attend the SPORTIME and JMTA program, starting in Fall 2023.

The event is a joint initiative of the Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP) and SPORTIME/JMTA. JMTP, a 501(c)(3) charity, changes young lives through its commitment and efforts to remove racial, economic and social barriers to success through tennis. The organization provides free tennis programs and scholarships to under-resourced young athletes from the NY Metropolitan area, providing a pathway to success through high level coaching and competitive tennis opportunities. The ultimate goal is to lead these young people to college scholarships, careers in the industry and, for a few, professional tennis careers.

Open only to players ages 7-16, who do not currently participate in SPORTIME/JMTA programs, but who have some tennis experience, the tryout will take place on Saturday, June 17th, from 9:30am-12:00pm, with check-in at 8:30am. Participants will be evaluated by a Selection Committee, consisting of SPORTIME/JMTA directors, coaches and leaders, including JMTA Co-Directors Lawrence Kleger and Patrick McEnroe. The tryout will include tennis and athletic drills, point/match play and athletic/fitness testing.

“We look forward to our scholarship tryout day each year, as it is an opportunity to meet new talented athletes and their families," said JMTA Co-Director Patrick McEnroe. “Our mission is to provide access to quality tennis programs for those who may not otherwise have that opportunity. We are excited to welcome young players to the Academy and look forward to another great tryout. I urge anyone interested in learning more to be sure to attend on June 17th.”

Scholarship winners for both the tryout and combine will be notified at a later date. Means testing is a requirement for JMTP scholarships so winners will be required to submit requisite financial information prior to approval.

SPORTIME Randall's Island and JMTP are located at One Randall’s Island, in Randall’s Island Park, Manhattan. For more information, parents of interested players/athletes can email scholarshipnyc@sportimeny.com or visit www.SportimeNY.com/JMTA.

Proper athletic attire, including footwear, is required. Participants will have access to locker room facilities. Water will be available on court. SPORTIME Randall’s Island features the “Courtside Cafe” with a variety of food, snack and beverage options, and a full-service pro shop, including professional stringing services. Registrants can visit www.sportimeny.com/jmtascholarship for online registration or to print and submit via postal mail, online form or fax.

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About Sportime Clubs
Since 1994, Sportime has been proud to operate the finest tennis and sports facilities in New York State. Sportime locations currently offer over 188 indoor and outdoor tennis courts, as well as rinks, turf, camps, gyms and more, at 15 sites across Long Island, in NYC, in Westchester and in the NY Capital Region. Sportime clubs are state-of-the art, yet affordable, and feature the best tennis, sports and fitness facilities and programs, including the John McEnroe Tennis Academy (JMTA) and Sportime Volleyball Club (VBC). Sportime clubs serve individuals of every age and athletic ability, 365 days a year. Learn more: www.sportimeny.com.

About the Johnny Mac Tennis Project
The Johnny Mac Tennis Project (JMTP) changes young lives through its efforts to remove the racial, economic and social barriers to success through tennis. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by tennis legend John McEnroe, JMTP introduces the sport of tennis as a life-long health, fitness and social activity to thousands of under-resourced New York City area children. For a smaller group of dedicated young athletes, JMTP provides a pathway to success through competitive tennis, leading to college scholarships, careers in the industry, and, for a few, professional tennis careers and, perhaps, Grand Slam titles. Learn more: www.jmtpny.org.

About the John McEnroe Tennis Academy
In September 2010, tennis legend John McEnroe and SPORTIME partnered to launch the John McEnroe Tennis Academy, in John’s hometown of New York City, at the SPORTIME Randall's Island Tennis Center in Manhattan. SPORTIME Randall's Island is SPORTIME’s flagship location, and the flagship location of the Academy. In September 2012, JMTA expanded to SPORTIME Lake Isle, an 8-court, state-of-the art, year-round facility in lower Westchester, and to SPORTIME Syosset in central Long Island, an 11-court indoor facility that has long served as SPORTIME’s high performance training center on Long Island. In 2015, JMTA Summer Tennis Training was added in the Hamptons, at SPORTIME Amagansett, SPORTIME’s 34-court, seasonal, outdoor tennis facility in the Town of East Hampton. With the satellite locations, the JMTA brand currently covers 4 sites with a total of 73 tennis courts, serving approximately 1,500 players annually.

John's passion and belief is that great players can be developed in urban settings, while still having the opportunity to live at home, pursue their educational goals, and participate in a variety of sports and extracurricular activities. The Academy works to recruit the most talented and the most highly motivated young athletes in the New York Metropolitan area and beyond. Inspired by the vision and daily presence of Johnny Mac, under the guidance of JMTA Managing Director, Bennett Schlansky, executed daily by Co-Directors Patrick McEnroe and Lawrence Kleger, and featuring an international staff of tennis, athletic training and performance directors and coaches, JMTA delivers a complete on and off-court training program, including mental toughness, sports vision training, video analytics and more, designed to assure the best possible outcome for serious junior players. JMTA’s youngest students, who train with red and orange balls on 36’ and 60’ courts, participate in cutting-edge Mac Red and Mac Orange programs designed by world-renowned U-10 visionary, and SPORTIME’s Global Executive Director of Tennis, Mike Barrell, and executed by SPORTIME/JMTA’s expert U-10 directors and coaches. Learn more: www.SportimeNY.com/JMTA.

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JMTA Scholarship Tryout & Athletic Combine
What: Opportunity for young area tennis players to earn scholarships to Sportime and the John McEnroe Tennis Academy
When: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Tennis Tryout, 9:30am-12:00pm; check-in: 8:30am-9:30am
Athletic Combine, 10:30am-11:30am; check-in: 9:30am-10:30am
Where: SPORTIME, One Randall's Island, New York, 10035 Who: Players ages 7-16 with tennis experience (Tennis Tryout) Children ages 6-10 with little to no tennis experience (Athletic Combine) Info: /www.sportimeny.com/jmtascholarshipmeny.com/jmtascholarship

It is with great sadness that I write to you today. So many of us have been devastated this week by the tragic loss of the young lives of Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz. Both of these wonderful young men were only 14 years of age. They were best friends, avid and very talented tennis players and valued members of the Sportime and the Roslyn communities.

The afternoon of the accident, the boys had just helped the Roslyn High School Bulldogs capture their biggest win of the season, boosting them to the #1 spot on Long Island. The tennis and life paths of both of these wonderful boys were clearly filled with promise and leading towards unlimited opportunities.

I first met and coached the boys when they were just five or six years old and I was personally looking forward to cheering their efforts and successes for years to come. I know that my fellow coaches at Roslyn High School, and at Robbie Wagner’s and Christopher Morley, where the boys also trained and played, feel the same sense of overwhelming loss that we at Sportime do.

Our hearts are broken and our prayers go out to the two amazing tennis families who now have to navigate the future without their beautiful boys. We will do all we can, in the months and years to come, working with the boys’ families, and with the Long Island Tennis community, to honor Ethan’s and Drew’s memories, as we do our parts to make sure that they are never forgotten at Sportime.

Sincerely,

Jay Harris
Co-GM and Director of Tennis, Sportime Roslyn
on behalf of the Sportime Roslyn Family
and the entire Sportime Clubs Community

Recently SPORTIME added the iconic Port Washington Tennis Academy to the SPORTIME family of clubs. We will soon be embarking on a $7 million renovation that will make the new SPORTIME Port Washington one of the premier tennis and pickleball facilities on Long Island. Upon completion of the project in the fall of 2023, SPORTIME members will have access to 13 additional tennis courts (7 har-tru courts and 6 hard courts) and 12 dedicated pickleball courts. Members will have the opportunity to enjoy more tennis programs, more member benefits, more court-time access, and more pickleball programs and events.

As part of our preparation for bringing our new facility online, we are writing to share some staffing adjustments that we will be making in advance of the 2023-24 indoor tennis season.  

Our long time SPORTIME Bethpage Director of Tennis, Simon Childs, will be heading west to assume the role of SPORTIME Roslyn Director of Tennis, as current Director, Jay Harris, takes on the role of Director of Tennis at our new SPORTIME Port Washington site.  

Simon has been an integral part of SPORTIME Bethpage’s success over the past several years and he will work closely with Bethpage’s incoming Director of Tennis to ensure that our members continue to enjoy the very best tennis experience possible. We congratulate Simon and know that he will be as successful in his new role as he has been at Bethpage for the past 8 years.

We are excited to announce that Wael Kilani will be joining the SPORTIME Bethpage Director team this fall as our new Director of Tennis. Wael, who hails from Tunisia, has been one of our best coaches at Syosset and Bethpage, where he has coached high-quality junior and adult tennis programs since 2015. Wael is thrilled to partner with current Bethpage General Manager, Maria Kinalis, and the rest of the Bethpage team to continue to serve our members, players and students for many years to come.