The
”
Gilroy Tennis Night in America
”
event, designed to encourage young players to pick up the game,
held March 2 at South Valley Middle School proved to be a success
despite woeful weather.
GILROY – The “Gilroy Tennis Night in America” event, designed to encourage young players to pick up the game, held March 2 at South Valley Middle School proved to be a success despite woeful weather.
A total of 42 kids ranging in age from 7-11 received tennis lessons during the first hour, while each participant also received new equipment to help the beginners learn the game whether they choose to play indoors or outdoors. Rain moved the event from its originally scheduled location of Las Animas Park to SVMS.
“The kids pick up the basics of tennis within one hour using a shortened court, special balls and rackets sized for kids down to the age of 5,” the event’s director, Marco Renella, said.
“Their excitement and energy was fantastic.”
Children ages 12-14 received lessons in the next hour, while young adults ages 15-17 finished off the evening in the final hour.
Twenty members of the Gilroy Tennis Club were on hand to instruct the children, as well as David Hong, the Juniors representative from the United States Tennis Association, Northern California Section.
All players received a free USTA ballcap and were treated to complimentary hot-dogs, chips and a drink, compliments of Nob Hill Foods and the Gilroy Tennis Club.
During the summer and fall, Gilroy Community Services will be offering a beginner tennis league, using the methods and equipment similar to the “Gilroy Tennis Night in America” event. The format will be teams of six playing six league games, much like Little League Baseball. Parents will be used to support tennis professionals. Wednesday evenings will be set aside at Las Animas Park for this league play. Sign-ups are $55, and will include a tennis racket, team shirt and closing party.
Marco Renella offered thanks to Jami Reynolds, Athletic Director at South Valley Middle School, Judy Janisch of Gilroy Community Services, and Mike Hansen, Gilroy Tennis Club President, for make the evening and future leagues possible.
