LOCAL NEWS: Tennis under the summer sun-No Blood, Just Sweat and Cheers

GlouTwp. Recreation Summer 2013

No one will disagree that mid-July of 2013 has been a scorcher. The combination of heat and humidity has made outdoor activities especially uncomfortable regardless of attire or frosty beverage. But the hottest action of all has been on the tennis court at Gloucester Twp. Community Park during the QuickStart Tennis summer evening session from July 15th-19th. "Madison found a new hobby and sport" said one parent from her first experience with tennis. So many kids and parents may not yet realize that soccer and little league are not their only choices during the summer months.

The roster of players ranged from ages 5-10, and their levels of experience with tennis varied about as much as their height. Fortunately for all, the learning activities, drills, and skill-based games were designed to accommodate all in attendance. The key element to any interactions with kids is fun, and the hot summer evening sun reflected off smiles on the faces of kids and parents alike. With games like Goldmine, Scorebounce, and Cone Catcher, even the very humid conditions could not suppress the enthusiasm felt on the court. When parents were eventually brought out to participate in some heat-adjusted games, they too seemed to enjoy themselves in this family-friendly program that welcomes parental involvement. Another parent wrote of their experience, "coach Ron is very kid oriented. He's very patient and  speaks to the kids on their level. He's made tennis very fun."

One more session is available this summer from August 5th to 8th from 9AM to 10:30AM at Gloucester Twp. Community Park. Registration is handled through the Gloucester Twp. Recreation Center located at 80 Broadacres Drive, Clementon (Next to the Cherrywood development). Call (856) 435-5734 for details or contact Ron Miller of Gotta Play Tennis at 856-359-GPTS. The recreation center is open Monday - Thursday, 8:00AM to 5:45PM with extended evening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 7:30PM.