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Brookville Park Tennis Association, Inc. (BPTA) is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to youth development and the Brookville community. Through our free summer tennis programs at Brookville Park, all children have the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game. Beyond tennis fundamentals, we emphasize discipline, confidence, and teamwork, supporting the growth of young participants both on and off the tennis court.
BPTA/NYJTL Youth Appreciation Day Supported by USTA Eastern and Dick's Sporting Goods.
On Saturday, August 22, Brookville Park Tennis Association, Inc. (BPTA) held its final summer session of 2026, concluding the season with its annual Youth Appreciation Day. The program recognized our young participants for their perseverance and dedication to learning and playing the game of tennis and the commitment of the parents who get them there.
Attendance was lighter than anticipated due to miscommunication about whether the drill portion of the program would be held, as well as several families traveling before the start of the new school year. Nevertheless, the day was meaningful and rewarding for everyone who attended.
This year, the BPTA Board of Directors went a step further by providing participants with some back-to-school supplies. Our Youth Program partner, New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL), donated drawstring bags, reusable water bottles, and more than 200 pencils. USTA Eastern also supported the program by providing notebooks and pencil cases with pencils, erasers, and rulers. The participants also received their medals of participation from the Youth Program Director, Mr. Lawrence Gallmon.
A special thank you to all coaches who participated in the program this season. A special thank you to those who were provided weekly by our partner NYJTL. This helped the program tremendously as we strive to build our coach base. Without NYJTL’s participation it would certainly have been a harder season to supply the number of coaches needed to support the program with over 100 youth sign up in the 2026 program
As the 2026 summer season ends and we begin discussions about continuing the program indoors during the winter, BPTA and NYJTL’s investment in our youth continues. Together, we are exploring new opportunities to further develop, strengthen, and expand the Youth Program—a long-standing staple of Brookville Park and the Southeast Queens community.
The summer sessions may have ended, but our commitment to building brighter futures through tennis continues year-round.
BPTA. Working hard quietly in the background so that our youth can shine brightly.
BPTA Family Trip Experience with New York Junior Tennis & Learning (NYJTL)
-Something Different for our Youth-
On Friday, April 10th, BPTA parents and youth were invited by NY Junior Tennis and Learning to their facility at the Cary Leeds Center. A total of 34 attendees—28 on the bus and others driving—made the trip to the Bronx.
The journey, led by prayer by a parent and songs from the kids, set the tone for a great day. Upon arrival, over 1000 participants from across the city enjoyed a variety of engaging activities. BPTA’s youth say they loved the face painting station, cotton candy, reptile encounters, egg hunts, and the mini tennis drills. Thanks Ciara for taking care of us.
Special thanks to Sir Lawrence for assisting the driver with directions, and special appreciation to Kanduu and all the parents for keeping the group organized and safe as we moved from station to station.
It was a wonderful experience for our BPTA family and just a preview of what’s to come! Join us at Brookville Park for BPTA’s Opening Day, on May 2, 2025, as we kick off another exciting season in style - where we bring the community together to connect, eat, drink, dance, and get back in action on the tennis court. See you soon.
BPTA General Meeting Report
BPTA General Meeting Report
March 28, 2026 By: Valsey Bartley - President
BPTA’s first General Meeting for the year, held on March 28, 2026, marked a strong and meaningful close to our winter indoor programs. The meeting took place at the VFW Post, located at 65 East Merrick Road in Valley Stream, with 34 members and guests in attendance. The overall message of the evening was clear: Brookville Park Tennis Association members are uniting with a shared commitment to remain true to our mission—elevating youth and strengthening our community through tennis.
With the introduction of a newly structured leadership team, including a seven-member Board of Directors and ten Committee Chairs, the organization is intentionally expanding opportunities for member engagement, participation, and volunteerism. The meeting audience consisted largely of new members, along with a smaller group of prospective members—an encouraging sign of continued growth. As part of the program, a brief history of BPTA was shared, reflecting on its beginnings 17 years ago with a group of dedicated players at Brookville Park. It was especially meaningful to acknowledge several founding and long-standing contributors who were present, including: Vice President Paulette Small, BPTA's First President Mr. Eric Ambrose, Mr. Allen Monrose and First Event Coordinator Ms. Diana Alleyne. Members were reminded of the importance of honoring BPTA’s history while continuing to build a strong and sustainable future. Key topics discussed during the meeting included: BPTA’s current financial status - New Parks Department policies, including court usage fees for drills - Youth Program permit approvals and compliance requirements - strengthening collaboration with USTA to support youth development pathways - administrative renewals and compliance priorities for 2026 - Ladder League New App introductory scoring method to be implemented and considering increasing the membership fees by $20 with a 2/3 vote siting rising cost and payment of court fees. To further engage membership, surveys were distributed to: Assess interest in joining committees and volunteering and another to gather feedback on ways to enhance the Youth Program to better serve the broader community. While many additional topics were discussed, the meeting ultimately reflected a collective commitment to growth, structure, and community impact. A special thank you was extended to Glenda, whose thoughtful provision of refreshments—including finger foods, tea, coffee, and treats—added a warm and welcoming touch to the evening. Special recognition was also given to BPTA’s young entrepreneur Geneva, who created beautifully designed chocolate treats in Brookville colors and logo. Her creativity and attention to detail were evident, and they tasted great Finally, sincere appreciation is extended to all who attended, and especially to our Vice President, Paulette Small, whose dedication from the organization’s inception continues to help elevate BPTA. We encourage all members to attend future meetings and remain actively involved as we continue to grow and strengthen Brookville Park Tennis Association, Inc.
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Brookville Park Tennis Association, Inc. (BPTA)
THE ASSOCIATION
Brookville Park Tennis Association, Inc. (BPTA)—formerly Brookville Park Tennis Club—is a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2009 by dedicated tennis enthusiasts who regularly played at Brookville Park. Today, BPTA proudly serves Southeast Queens and its surrounding communities, with a strong emphasis on youth development. Since its founding, membership has grown from 30 to more than 80 active members, and the Association now celebrates its 17th year of service.
BPTA’s mission, as defined in its by-laws, is to use tennis as a catalyst for year-round academic enrichment and leadership development for youth. The Association is committed to fostering strong character, healthy lifestyle choices, and educational advancement. In alignment with USTA standards, BPTA promotes sportsmanship, competitive play, and community engagement for both youth and adults.
One of BPTA’s proudest accomplishments is its youth program, launched in 2011. It now serves more than 100 participants—even maintaining steady growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. To meet rising demand, BPTA continues to increase the number of Safe-Play Certified Coaches and actively recruits volunteers to support its expanding programs.
BPTA remains committed to broadening access to tennis, particularly for young people. Through the program, youth attend events such as Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day at the US Open, providing them with inspiring exposure to high-level tennis. The Association also encourages players to participate in match play with peers across the boroughs and supports advanced youth in entering USTA tournaments. To ensure year-round progression, BPTA offers indoor winter training to keep young athletes active, engaged, and continuously developing. Youth development remains BPTA’s primary focus, with the goal of nurturing lifelong tennis enthusiasts who lead both on and off the court.
For adult members, a signature BPTA tradition is the Annual Ladder Clash Competition, an inclusive event open to players of all ages, genders, and tennis ratings. Running from May through August, the competition culminates in a Fundraiser Award Dinner Dance each October—an event that both celebrates our Ladder champions and raises vital funds for the youth winter program.
BPTA is deeply grateful to its founding and current members for transforming a small idea into a cornerstone of community growth. With the support of members, sponsors, and friends, we continue pursuing our vision of shaping the next generation of tennis Kings and Queens. We cannot do this work alone, and we look forward to your continued partnership.
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BPTA Red Ball Drill
BPTA Red Ball Drill
- Building Confidence for the Next Level
March 2026 - Brookville Park Tennis Association, Inc. (BPTA) recently wrapped up a series of Red Ball drills, giving beginner players a strong and supportive introduction to the game.
Designed to slow the pace and simplify learning, Red Ball allows participants to develop control, consistency, and confidence in a comfortable environment. Players quickly gained essential skills while enjoying the process and building belief in their abilities.
Led by our dedicated coaches—Sir Lawrence Gallmon, Eric Ambrose, and Gary Lahens—each session blended instruction with encouragement, creating an atmosphere that was both fun and impactful.
More than just drills, the program fostered connection, growth, and enthusiasm across the group. With overwhelmingly positive feedback and a clear desire to continue, the Red Ball sessions have laid a solid foundation as we prepare to transition outdoors for the summer season starting with Opening Day on May 2, 2026.
At BPTA, we remain committed to developing players at every level—creating pathways that inspire growth, confidence, and a lifelong love of the game.
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Reflections on the 2026
USTA Coaches Inclusion Summit in Kansas City
By Valsey Bartley, President-
The National USTA Section-Sponsored 2026 Coaches Inclusion Summit, held in Kansas City from June 12-14, was both educational and inspiring.
As President of Brookville Park Tennis Association (BPTA) and one of the USTA coach affiliates selected by David J. Williams, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for USTA Eastern, to represent USTA Eastern, I had the opportunity to experience firsthand the commitment of the USTA Diversity & Inclusion Team, led by Andrea Snead, USTA National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Director. I can confidently say that USTA Eastern continues to provide Community Tennis Associations (CTAs) with valuable resources, including equipment, training,
on-court sessions,
and educational opportunities that help grow the game of tennis and expand access to the sport.
The summit addressed barriers to participation, professional development, and practical solutions for making tennis more accessible and inclusive.
Participants experienced adaptive tennis sessions, learning how to coach visually impaired and wheelchair athletes, reinforcing that tennis truly is a sport for everyone.
One of the most impactful presenters was Ajit Dodani, Empathy Strategist, who challenged coaches to create not just the rhetorical "safe place," but a "brave place" where athletes feel comfortable being themselves. His message centered on self-awareness, defining our values, and identifying what we need to start, stop, and continue doing to grow as coaches and leaders. His wife, Harsha Dodani, reinforced the importance of self-care and personal wellness, reminding us that we must first take care of ourselves in order to effectively serve others.
Other outstanding presenters included Toni Wiley, CEO of the Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment Center; Michael Harper Jr., who demonstrated creative ways to coach tennis in virtually any space; and the insightful panel discussion, Women in Coaching: Built for Her, featuring Ahsha Rolle, Executive Director of the NYJTL Cary Leeds Center, along with Megan Rose, Jennifer Gelhaus, and Daniella Reidmiller. Their perspectives highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing women in the coaching profession.
As USTA continues its work to grow the game and expand opportunities for all, it is up to us as leaders to take advantage of these resources, apply what we learn, and strengthen our programs and communities.
I am thankful and look forward to implementing the ideas and strategies shared at the summit to further enhance the programs and services offered by BPTA.
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