Children interested in learning the fundamentals of tennis will be excited about an upcoming annual program.
Tennis 4 Kids is returning for another year, with sessions starting on Saturday, January 24. It's for those aged five to 12.
Instructor Brian Clarke said they teach youth the sport through a progressive approach.
"The five-year-old is not on the same surface as a 12-year-old," said Clarke. "One of the reasons we're at St. Matthews School is that it's a modern school. It has a curtain that you can put up that separates kids by age. As they age, the net gets higher, the racket gets longer and the ball becomes more lively."
Clarke said all the kids need are running shoes and a drink, and Tennis4Kids provides the rest.
"And, if a kid is really into it and is not in a family situation to be able to afford a tennis racket, then we give the kid a tennis racket," he said. "You can play tennis for your entire life. In my situation, I'm two years away from 80 and I can still play the sport. I'm not going to be playing hockey or football at that age."
Clarke said the social aspect is another key benefit.
"For a lot of kids, being part of something is a good thing and it doesn't have to be tennis," said Clarke. "When we do the program at Tennis4Kids, those kids are going to meet a bunch of others that they didn't know before."
Registration is $30, and a racket is provided.
The winter session runs every Saturday from January 24 to February 21.
The spring session is March 21 and 28, and April 11 and 18.
It's being held in the gymnasium at St. Matthews School at 720 Elm Ave. in Sarnia.
For more information and to register, visit the Tennis 4 Kids website. Financial assistance is available to those in need.
