Presently under way is the first of two fall tennis camps offered through Bridgeport Parks and Recreation. Meeting twice per week at the city tennis courts beside Bridgeport Pool, children ages four through 14 are learning tennis fundamentals and basics on beginner and intermediate levels. Remaining dates for the first camp session are Sept. 8, 10, 15 and 17.

 

A second camp will begin Sept. 22. Camp dates are Sept. 22, 24, 29 and Oct. 1, 6 and 8. Players between 4 and 7 years of age will meet from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Players age 5 through 8 will meet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and players age 11 through 14 will meet from 6:30-7:30 p.m. The location will again be the city tennis courts adjacent to Bridgeport Pool.

 

The cost is $40 per camp or $25 per week. More than a dozen kids have registered for the entire first session.

 

Parents can register their children at the Benedum Civic Center on Main Street or by calling Bridgeport Parks and Recreation 304-842-8240. Questions can be directed to Austyn Williams, austyn77@gmail.com.

 

Williams, of the U.S. Tennis Association, has been working with Bridgeport Parks and Recreation tennis programs all summer. The partnership with the USTA has been successful, said Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Joe Shuttleworth. The next step was offering the fall program.

 

“We’ve had great input and feedback from the parents of the kids to continue the program so we put something together for fall to keep the interest levels where they are and give kids the opportunity to continue to learn and grow,” he said.

 

Bridgeport Parks and Recreation will also be hosting two play days – Sept. 18 and Oct. 9. The cost is $10 per child per event. Participation on the play days is a great way to use the skills learned at the tennis camps and equip participants to play matches on their own, Shuttleworth said.  

 

Editor's Note: Photo was taken during last year's tennis camp series.