The hottest place for youth will be the Millicent tennis courts with junior development programs due to start after the school holidays.
The local tennis club’s Hotshots and Junior Development programs will take place from October 20 to December 8.
Programs will take a break over the Christmas and New Year period and recommence on February 2 to 23.
The programs continue on the success of previous years where more than 45 youths learned the fundamentals of the sport under the guidance of coach Egan Regnier.
Program coordinator Melissa McGrath said there were great benefits from coming out and having a go at tennis.
“Tennis can improve hand and eye coordination, 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 five 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,” Ms McGrath said.
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,” Ms 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, the sport is a grreat way to develop and enhance coordination, speed, strength and agility.
Meanwhile senior teams play on Saturdays in the Southern Ports Tennis Association.
Players hail from Millicent, Furner, Beachport, Southend and Hatherleigh.
“For any adults that want to come out for a hit, we have a casual hit on Thursday nights at the Millicent courts,” Ms McGrath said.
Senior tennis starts on October 22 to December 10, before taking a break, recommencing February 4 until season end on March 4.
New and existing participants are encouraged to register.
Visit www.play.tennis.com.au/millicentand
districttennisclub/Membership/Join to register or contact Melissa McGrath on 0408 849 423 for more information
