The hottest place for youth will be the Millicent tennis courts as junior development programs have been earmarked to continue in 2022.
More than 45 kids took part in the local tennis club’s Hotshots and Junior Development programs over the past seven weeks.
Due to its success the programs will continue with the club encouraging new and existing participants to register.
The Millicent and District Tennis Club have been teaching the fundamentals of the sport under the guidance of coach Egan Regnier.
Program coordinator Melissa McGrath said there are great benefits from coming out and having a go at tennis.
“Tennis can improve hand and eye co-ordination, getting active and you may meet some new friends,” she said.
“The vision is to have the juniors playing their own competition and having the chance to fill in for the senior side when the child is up to it.
Designed for youth aged over 5 years the Hotshots program is played on smaller courts with lighter racquets, lower nets and tennis balls that do not bounce too high.
“The modified equipment makes it easier and more fun to progress,” said McGrath.
The programs have been designed to develop kids mental and physical ability.
“The vision is to have the juniors playing their own competition and having the chance to fill in for the senior side when the child is up to it,” McGrath said.
“Kids develop their social and problem-solving skills while playing in a team, and as individuals.
“Also, they learn how to cope with wins and loses fairly.”
According to Tennis SA tennis is amazing for developing coordination, speed, strength, and agility.
The junior tennis programs will recommence on February 7 through to February 28.
Meanwhile the club has a senior team that currently consists of 12 men and 12 women that play on Saturdays in the Southern Ports Tennis Association.
Players hail from Millicent, Furner, Beachport, Southend and Hatherleigh and McGrath said numbers have improved with the club hopeful of increasing the number of sides it fills.
“This year there are great numbers for the seniors with the club hoping to fill two sides in the next few years.”
“It’s an opportunity to enjoy mixing with some people they normally do not mix with, meeting new people from away towns and there is a family aspect of tennis.”
“For any adults that want to come out for a hit, we have a casual hit on Thursday nights at the Millicent courts.
“We currently have been playing at Furner and Beachport courts which both have great atmospheres.”
For more information contact Melissa McGrath on 0408 849 423 and to register visit play.tennis.com.au/millicentanddistricttennisclub/Membership/Join
