The Erin Tennis Club is eager to get more kids involved in a sport that could provide them with health and social benefits for the rest of their lives.
“We really want to focus on our junior programs this year,” said Monique Fischer-Anderson. “We want the club to thrive and for the kids to become members as adults, so we want to give them more opportunities.”
The club has grown in recent years and now has about 350 members. The courts are located behind the high school and Centre 2000, owned by the Town, but operated and maintained by the club.
People can join at any time, but a registration session will be held this Saturday, April 12, 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, in the Centre 2000 lobby. The cost, which includes three free group lessons, is $105 for adults, $50 for kids, or $170 per family.
One of the main junior activities is the Winners After School Program, run by adult volunteers on Fridays, 4:30 to 5:30 pm. It combines tennis tips with informal games and music, intended for ages 9-14.
More experienced players can try out for a travelling team that competes with other nearby clubs.
There’s also the Summer Camp (at an additional fee), which will be run by the club’s new pro, Joanna Phang. A certified Tennis Canada instructor, she was one of Malaysia’s top ten players from 1998 to 2001, and now lives with her family in Caledon.
She also teaches the free early-season group lessons for adults and children, and offers privately paid lessons – private, semi-private or groups.
A wide range of club activities is included in a membership, such as House League competition on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. Players are matched by skill level, so even absolute beginners can participate.
“We do have something for everybody, regardless of ability,” said Amanda Storey, who helps run the league. “We want to make it fun. If you are new to the area, it is a good way to meet people and get involved in the community.”
Several semi-competitive tournaments are held throughout the season, while more competitive players can try out for the A or B Level InterClub Teams, which play on Thursdays.
The courts are available at various times for players to arrange their own matches, or to be part of a co-ed ladder program, which tracks a competitive ranking. Slightly older players may be interested in the Freedom 55 program on Thursday mornings.
On the weekends, members can drop in to participate in a series of fun matches at the Men’s Sunday or Ladies’ Saturday Morning sessions.
There are also social events, especially the themed Friday Fun Nights, involving tennis, food and special attire.
For more information on the club and its programs, go to www.erintennis.com.
