In the fall of 1990, thirty-one men and women tennis players withdrew from the competitive teams of Tennis At Shiloh (TAS), a community outreach program of the Shiloh Baptist Church, to operate as an independent body rather than as an entity in the mass tennis program of TAS. Thus, the Eastside Competitive Tennis Club (ECTC) was born. The primary goal for the ECTC membership was to play competitively and socially in various leagues and tournaments throughout the metropolitan area. Its objectives were (1) to maintain a professional organization, showing both leadership and ability to create a positive team image that shall be open to continued growth; and (2) to give back to the community by establishing or sponsoring youth tennis. The founding membership, except for the coaches, made up the first women's 3.5 and men's 4.0 competitive teams that participated in the Washington Area Tennis Adult League (WATL) under the name of ECTC. Purple and white were the Club's colors and Challengers was the teams' name.
The first year of operation focused primarily on organizing teams and making a favorable showing in the WATL competitions. However, by the second year, ECTC had added a full tennis program, to include tennis parties, a youth tennis program, membership in the United States Tennis Association (USTA), a USTA sanctioned open doubles tournament, a monthly newsletter, and a Saturday training program for tennis players who aspired to reach the competitive level. Subsequently, the Club grew in number and prestige, to include an annual trip to the Sea Pines Resorts on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; an annual intramural tournament; an annual picnic; five competitive teams--one women's 3.5, two women's 3.0, one men's 3.5, one men's 4.0--and a Saturday program which accepted some beginning players and conducted Round Robin competition for players who merely wanted to play socially.
ECTC quickly earned the respect of the Washington tennis community and its organizations. The Club assumes an active role in the Washington Tennis Association (WTA), American Tennis Association (ATA), the Mid-Eastern Tennis Association (META), and the USTA Mid Atlantic Tennis Association. It also contributes monetary and voluntary services to youth tennis programs throughout the District of Columbia metropolitan area. In 1998 ECTC became incorporated and became Eastside Competitive Tennis Club, Inc. In March 2000 Eastside Tennis Organization was formed and was awarded non-profit, tax-exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service, under which ECTC now operates.
Leadership
The leadership continues to be innovative and effective in accomplishing the goals of Eastside and remains open to creative ideas for expansion from its membership. Each year earmarks an exciting slate of programs and aspirations for the Club.
Competitive Teams
Since 1990, Eastside has had many competitive men's and women's teams to participate in WATL. A coaching staff is made available to each team to assist players in improving and developing competitive skills. Annually, each team selects a Most Valuable Player who is recognized by the Club. Tennis players who wish to play competitively and are "team players" are always welcomed to join one of the teams.
