The Penticton Tennis Club (PTC) is serving up free tennis lessons.
The club has been doing that for the past five years and and are bringing it back starting May 10. The club will have lessons for kids, from 5 to 6 p.m., and adults, from 6 to 7 p.m., every Wednesday, for four weeks.
“They are great for beginners but they are also helpful to give new members an introduction to the club,” said PTC instructor Steve Hunn. “We typically get between 10 to 16 people in each group and we have two instructors so we are able to split them up according to their level. Many people stay after each lesson to play with their fellow students so that is a wonderful way for them to meet other players at a similar level.”
The club will have an open day on May 13 with warm up drills and organized play. For kids that will be from 1 to 2 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. for adults.
The public is welcome to attend the first lesson and open day, but after that those who are not members would need to join the club to continue attending. Yearly membership for adults are $100, for under 18 it is $25 and for under 12 it is $15.
In the time the club has offered the lessons, Hunn said feedback has been positive. The instructors try to make the lessons fun and a good experience regardless of age or ability. Hunn said the sport is difficult for beginners and many newcomers can feel intimidated joining in with more experienced players.
“The free lessons help new players with their strokes, but we also cover rules and strategy to enable them to begin playing matches,” he said. “I think the lessons have been a good way to keep introducing more players, both kids and adults, to tennis. The Penticton Tennis Club has experienced significant growth over the past few years and our free lessons have contributed to that.”
Hunn said the growth in junior players has been amazing.
“Last year we had over 60 kids attending our Wednesday afternoon lessons or one of our week long summer camps,” he said.
To register for the lessons or the open day contact Steve Hunn at 778 738-1132 or stevehunn@gmail.com
