Local team tennis program announced

JIM COX/for the Van Wert independent

The Van Wert County Tennis Association is sponsoring its fourth annual Midwest Youth Team Tennis for seven Wednesdays, June 4 through July 16 at the Van Wert County Foundation Tennis Complex behind Van Wert High School/Middle School. The program is under the direction of Kara Thomas.

The schedule is as follows:

• 6-7 p.m. — Grades K-1
• 6-7 p.m. — Grades 2-3 (separate courts)
• 7-8 p.m. — Grades 4-5
• 8-9 p.m. — Grades 6-8

Each participant will receive a team uniform shirt, an age-appropriate tennis racquet and ball, a one year USTA Junior Membership subscription to Bounce or SMASH magazine, and a goodie bag filled with other age-appropriate items.

The cost is $60 if registered by May 9; $80 if registered between May 10 and May 23. Parents may register a child at www.MidwestTeamTennis.com.

There will also be four optional Play Days to allow participants to apply their skills by playing with kids their own age. The schedule for the Play Days will be distributed during the Midwest Youth Team Tennis sessions.

VWCTA will also be conducting its annual Start/Restart tennis program for adults wanting to start, or resume, playing. Participants receive a t-shirt, a $10 gift card to Midwest Sports Tennis Outlet, tennis instruction, and health tips. These sessions will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on five consecutive Tuesdays, beginning June 10 and ending July 8.

The cost for Start/Restart is $25. Participants should register by June 3 at www.StartPlayingTennis.com.

Kara Thomas is also offering private or semi-private tennis lessons.