By Coleshnie Corgelas
The sound of balls hitting racquets and the shuffling of sneakers are some of the sounds one hears at the Franklin Park Tennis Association (FPTA) classes.
FPTA organizes community events and teaches tennis to young and old. The program also grooms participants to become coaches for their tennis program.
In 1998, a group of tennis players and friends worked to renovate the tennis courts at Franklin Park’s Shattuck Grove site, in the process becoming the FPTA. Now,18 years later, the FPTA has found success in bringing families and friends together through community programs open to all age groups.
Director Jeannine Laing said the program fosters a sense of community. The FPTA offers events low cost or free to help give underrepresented families an opportunity to participate.
The program does not just improve athletic ability, but it also resonates with important social skills,said Coach Dave Copley.
“We take the kids out of line and put them in pairs,” said Copley. “There’s a give and take exchange with them and the other person.”
Adults are also welcome to join in on the fun. Participants learn basic tennis skills as well as how to make a connection with each other.
Laing said the FPTA has opened doors for many people. She added, “A lot of the adult participants include women who were not encouraged to play sports as kids.” This new experience can evoke many emotions.
Laing recalled a woman who had participated in the program. “She admitted to me, after her first tournament, that she lost her match and went home and cried.” Laing said.
Laing, who participated in the program and has a daughter who also was in the tennis program, said the FPTA program is meaningful.
“It’s meaningful to me that we’re here and that it has an effect on people, whether it’s tennis or otherwise,” Laing said. “That’s what makes it really meaningful to see those challenges and triumphs.”
The program is funded by the United States Tennis Association. As a result, the FPTA is able to provide tennis classes and other community events helping the development of sports, tennis and the community.
“Most our programs are free because we’re trying to build up the community,” Copley said. “Tennis is a great vehicle to do that.”
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