In Astoria Park, just about five miles from the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Oana Cornell has been working on her backhand.

Cornell is one of hundreds of young athletes taking part in the City Parks Foundation’s “Girls Forward” initiative. It's a partnership with Nike designed to help teen girls be active and confident in sports.

What You Need To Know

The City Parks Foundation’s “Girls Forward” initiative is a partnership with Nike designed to help teen girls be active and confident in sports

The month-long free program is offered at parks across the five boroughs for athletes of all skill levels in soccer, golf, track and tennis

Young players are growing up in an era shaped by Serena Williams, who racked up 23 Grand Slam titles, and Coco Gauff, who became a U.S. Open cham

See Full Page