Few sports can be learned at an early age and played through retirement. Tennis happens to be one of these sports, and that inspired Illinois State coaches and players to hold their first ever Kids Day event.
The event, which was held on September 12th, gave local kids the opportunity to learn how to play tennis from Division I coaches and athletes. Coaches and players instructed kids on proper stroke technique, drills that could help their footwork and even gave them a chance to play simulated games.
Along with the men and womens summer tennis camps, Kids Day allows local youngsters to learn the game of tennis. Mens head coach Greg Kennett believes these types of events are just what the game of tennis needs.
These events (camps and Kids Day) allow us to really promote the game of tennis, said Kennett. Tennis is such a great game to learn because you can play it your whole life and still enjoy it. Having kids learn that at an early age is really important and also a lot of fun for them.
Mens tennis freshman Oscar Beich grew up in the Bloomington/Normal area and has been around the game of tennis all his life. He agrees that tennis can be a great sport for kids to learn at an early age, but only if they enjoy it.
As a kid, I always had fun playing tennis and that is what matters the most, said Beich. If kids are not having fun playing a sport, they get bored and then they just give up. That is why Kids Day was great because we kept the game of tennis fun for everyone and hopefully got some kids interested in the game early in their lives.
The event was open to kids ages 6-18 and everyone who attended was treated to high quality instruction, photo opportunities with
Reggie Redbird and athletes, free pizza and a free t-shirt. More than 90 kids showed up on a perfect day for tennis at McCormick Courts on the ISU campus. The event, which has plans to become an annual event, excited Kennett with its turnout.
The turnout for this event in its first year was overwhelming, said Kennett. We had great weather and Im sure that helped, but everyone had a great time and we are looking forward to doing it again next year.
Unfortunately, the womens team was away at a tournament this year when Kids Day was held. However, womens coach Chris Hoover and his players co-sponsored the event and will definitely be involved in future years. The United States Tennis Association was also a co-sponsor of the event, furthering their attempt to promote youth tennis programs throughout the United States.
To see photos of Kids' Day, click on the link.
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