Tennis4Kids is serving up some more excitement for Sarnia-Lambton's youth.
The program, aimed at igniting a passion for tennis in kids aged five to 12, was cofounded by instructor Brian Clarke, and the late Justin Bourassa.
Clarke said they're taught the fundamentals of the game, using a "progressive" approach.
"For our basic program we do indoor, what we like to refer to as mini tennis," said Clarke. "This isn't a full sized tennis court, this is in a school gymnasium. All of the equipment, whether it be the balls, the rackets, the height of the nets, they're all proportional to the child. They start out with essentially a felt ball that's bigger than a normal tennis ball is. But, they can control that ball as opposed to a pressurized tennis ball that you'd use in real tennis."
Clarke said the approach is a great way to keep the kids engaged.
"They get immediate success as opposed to them trying to go out onto a full sized tennis court with their father's racket and a pressurized tennis ball," he said. "The time will come when they're 12 or 13 when they can make the transition into full blown tennis."
Clarke said he's been in talks with the Lambton Kent District School Board about possibly including tennis in elementary school gym class.
"I'd like it to become an elementary sport," said Clarke. "That could be at the local level, within the school, or doing it after school. That would lead to the whole possibility of having tournaments and inviting children of the same age and level to a tournament in Sarnia. Essentially, the same idea as a hockey or baseball tournament. That would benefit hotels, and restaurants and have positive effects on the community."
Clarke said registration is now open for the 2025 spring program.
"All of the instructors are from the local Lambton County high school teams, these are mostly 16 and 17-year-olds who are great role models for these younger children to introduce them to the game," he said. "When it comes down to it, you need two people, two rackets, a can of balls and a court and away you go. In these economic times, people with children are trying to find those extra dollars for recreation. Tennis would be one of the least expensive sports that their child can get involved in. You can also play it for your whole life."
The Tennis4Kids spring program runs for four straight Saturdays at St. Matthew Catholic School in Sarnia, starting on March 22.
There are two classes each day.
The cost is $30, and you can pay by emailing t4ktennisforkids@gmail.com.
Those interested in learning more can visit www.t4ksarnia.com.