Since 1992, U-Turn has had a mission to develop Richmond's youth.  Paul Manning, U-Turn's Founder and Director (and RTA Board member) has successfully connected youth from Richmond's inner-city and suburban neighborhoods in an environment that encourages them to be highly skilled athletes as well as community minded citizens.

Located on Maywill Street near the intersection of Broad St and Staples Mill Road in Richmond, the 150,000 sq. foot facility offers a comfortable, yet 'high-tech' place for aspiring athletes to reach their goals.  U-Turn has a 9,000 square foot weight room, a cafe, a game room and free WiFi.   In 2005, U-Turn provided 47,200 hours of mentoring and training to area youth.  Many have received full or partial scholarships to play sports in college.

Paul Manning has coached U-Turn's tennis players since the organization's inception in 1992.  In August of 2005, U-Turn moved into the former headquarters of Circuit City and embarked on an aggressive rehab program to convert a drab industrial warehouse into a first rate training facility. 

With the growth of U-Turn's programs, Manning has named John DiNardi IV, a former Midlothian High School standout and former Bollettieri Tennis Academy teacher, as the new Director of Tennis. left:  DiNardi works with a student on the premier court

"We are offering the first year round high performance tennis academy in Richmond," said DiNardi.  "We offer all classes, 5 days a week, a certified trainer, and a USTA approved training center that specializes in footwork, agility and speed training."

Eric Myers is the Personal Trainer currently working with tennis athletes.

DiNardi said that the program offers a technical evaluation of players prior to training.  "We can practically guarantee a rating increase in a 6 month course," he said. "We offer the best rates in town for instruction for junior goal oriented students and Adults, Beginners to Advanced."  

U-Turn is open to the public.  There are no membership fees. Class rates are $70 to train 1 day per week, $120 2 days for per week and $200 for 3 days a week for 4 weeks.

U-Turn offers training with a spiritual side for junior goal-oriented student athletes

Part of U-Turn's Mission, to provide superior athletic training with sound biblical advice, applies to all participants in its programs.  "We offer a spiritual side to our training that maximizes performance in life," said DiNardi.

"I am excited about this opportunity to work with an organization that has high aspirations for its clients, and that is very structured."

Currently offering one indoor court premier tennis court and 1 sport court, U-Turn has plans to expand to 4 indoor and 4 outdoor courts this spring, with one stadium court. 

For more information, please contact John DiNardi at 804-497-9021 or john@u-turn.org.