GACTA Announces Alachua County Middle School Tennis Program 2011
The Gainesville Area Community Tennis Association is launching a pilot after school tennis program for middle school students in Alachua County. The inaugural season is set to begin in late March.
Anne Koterba, vice president of GACTA, says the new middle school program will help introduce the lifetime sport of tennis to this age group and provide a positive recreational after school activity for students.
“GACTA now has the opportunity to work along with the Alachua County school system to provide middle school students with a safe, fun and learning atmosphere centered on tennis,” Koterba said. “Tennis helps teach students how to live a healthy lifestyle, and this program will give them the skills to play in high school and with their family and friends for the rest of their lives.”
Fort Clarke Middle School, Kanapaha Middle School, Westwood Middle School and Lincoln Middle School are the four Alachua County schools participating in the pilot middle school program. The season will begin with practices in late March. The schedule of five dual match weeks and one tournament week will extend from April 18th-May 27th, 2011. Participants will receive clinics from volunteer local tennis teaching professionals at local tennis facilities, and parents will captain the each school’s team.
A no-cut format will be used, and the program is aimed at players of all levels.
The costs associated with registration are $30 for the season and include a team T-shirt, match balls and the end of season tournament and party. Transportation to and from the tennis facilities will be the responsibility of the parents.