The Israel Tennis Centers

In 1976, six visionaries from Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom realized their dream and opened a center for tennis in Israel. Today, the Israel Tennis Centers is one of the largest social service organizations for children in Israel, with 14 tennis centers throughout the country improving the lives of over 20,000 young people every year. For almost 40 years, the ITC has been providing programs and services that empower Israel's children beyond tennis...and beyond borders.

At-Risk
The ITC works in collaboration with local municipalities and public schools to identify and engage children at risk and engage them in constructive activities. We provide these youngsters a multitude of services and skills, learned both on court and in the informal educational settings at the Centers, that eliminate harmful behaviors, improve academic rankings, and help children and adolescents become productive citizens of Israel.

Special Needs
The ITC empowers the disabled to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society through their participation in sports. A collection of 21 singularly designed ITC programs helps children and adults with special needs, including those who are autistic, developmentally disabled, or afflicted by Cerebral Palsy or Down Syndrome, to integrate into Israeli society.

Coexistence
Tennis has the proven ability to transcend language barriers, political viewpoints, ethnic and religious differences. It is known to promote tolerance and the creation of cross-cultural relationships. The ITC's Coexistence Programs encourage Jewish, Arab, Christian and Druze children and families to engage in constructive dialogue, set shared goals, and ultimately realize their commonalities.

Immigrant Children
Of the more than 110,000 Ethiopian Jews living in Israel, over one-third are children. Most are born underprivileged due to poverty, decades after their families made Aliyah. These children need an environment where they can flourish, fulfill their potential, acquire skills that will help them become leaders within their communities, and meet the challenges of Israeli society. The ITC's Immigrant Children Program offers Ethiopian children an opportunity to excel in sport and teamwork, receive guidance from caring coaches and professionals in various fields, and ultimately realize their dreams and ambitions.