Rockford selected to pilot new tennis program

Staff Report

The United States Tennis Association’s Midwest Section announced that Rockford, Ill., has been selected to pilot a new adult tennis program. As part of the pilot program, anyone 18 and older can receive a free tennis lesson that will be held from 7-8:30 p.m., June 10, at the Guilford Tennis Center, 5702 Spring Creek Road. Participants will have the opportunity to experience tennis for the first time, sharpen their existing tennis skills, and check out the exciting, fast pace of Cardio Tennis.

Following the free adult tennis lesson, participants will have the option to participate in the Start/ReStart Tennis program. Start/ReStart Tennis is an eight-session introductory course made up of lessons and match play for adults to learn and develop their tennis game in a short amount of time. The program incorporates aspects of the QuickStart Tennis play format including smaller court sizes and equipment that help new players develop their basic tennis skills quickly.

The Start/ReStart Tennis program introduces players to the sport in a group setting, and provides players with improved fitness, along with basic tennis instruction. The program is a great entry to tennis for players who also want to get involved in playing tournaments and participate in the USTA League program. All players participating in the eight-session program will receive a USTA Membership, T-shirt, subscription to Tennis magazine, a water bottle and a $10 gift card to MidwestSports.com. Refreshments are included.

All residents of Rockford interested in healthy lifestyle activities are encouraged to participate. Interested parties can register at www.StartPlayingTennis.com and should click on “Rockford Free Tennis Lesson.”

Currently, the USTA/Midwest Section exceeds 83,000 individual members and approximately 1,000 member organizations. It is the second-largest section of the United States Tennis Association, the National Governing Body for tennis in the U.S. The USTA/Midwest Section offers recreational and competitive tennis for individuals of all ages and abilities. For more information, visit the USTA/Midwest Section at www.midwest.usta.com.

From the May 25-31, 2011 issue