Submitted by Nelson Tennis Club
Nelson Tennis Club (NTC) has been successful in achieving one of its goals: increasing youth participation in the sport.
In the last three years enrolment has tripled in structured tennis programming, and this year more than 120 kids having signed up for after-school coaching, tennis camps or summer lessons.
“It really fantastic to see the community response as we have expanded our offerings, although I am not totally surprised given that it’s a relatively affordable sport and we always emphasize fun while getting in a good work-out!” says Matt Martin, NTC head coach who was awarded Community Coach of the Year in 2019 by Tennis B.C.
BC Hydro — through its Castlegar Company Town Grant Program — has provided $1,000 to the club and, for a second year running, Michelle Mannings of CIBC Wood Gundy donated $500. All the funds are earmarked to purchase kids’ tennis racquets and balls.
“The enthusiasm of our coaching team has certainly been a major factor in recruiting youth to our programming, but their efforts have been helped with recent generous donations from BC Hydro and CIBC Wood Gundy,” says NTC president Keith Bridger. “I cannot thank them enough.”
More information about NTC and the junior programs can be found at nelsontennisclub.com.
