The Fergus Tennis Club is hosting its open house on May 5 and is hoping to connect parents and children in new programs this summer.
Club president Sheila Hogarth said the club is hoping to expand its membership (currently 300) and this year it is focusing on reaching out to the community.
“One of the reasons that we’re doing that is to try and bring kids and parents together,” Hogarth said.
“We talked right at the beginning of the season, there were a couple of tragedies in the community and we were thinking, we’re one of the very few Sports that can do this.”
Hogarth said tennis is a sport that both adults and youth can learn and play together. To promote this, the club is offering a junior learn-to-play course for free.
The program is for ages 4 to 16 and takes place for three weeks in May.
The club’s pro player David Rowatt also teaches kids in local schools during breaks and physical education classes.
The club is open to high school students as well.
There are also many programs for adults from beginner to advanced.
“I think we’ve always been a family friendly club … it’s just now, we’re trying, in a lot of the programs, to really kind of back that side of it up,” said Rowatt.
There is equipment available for people who sign up for the free clinics.
“They don’t have to go out and spend any money on anything, (just) a pair of running shoes, and we’ll supply the rest,” said Hogarth.
The pair said they are hoping to change the community’s perception of tennis as a sport.
“I think a lot of people think that tennis is a little bit snooty, and it’s not at all,” said Hogarth.
The club will be adding Fergus’ first outdoor pickleball court and will soon be celebrating its 100th season.
An unlikely combination
The Fergus Tennis Club has partnered with the Highland Rugby Club to offer full-day Sports camps.
The camps take place from July 23 to Aug. 31.
“That’s a new venture for both places… it’s a great chance to expand,” said Rowatt.
The camps will be taught by Rowatt and rugby pro Jane Kirby, who have both represented Team Canada in their respective Sports.
On May 5, the club opens its doors for an open house from 10am to 2pm for registration. There will be a barbecue and events for the whole family.
