Game, Set, Match!

The Fountain Valley Tennis Center is known as a shining star in our community, and now the excellence of the tennis program has earned the program statewide recognition. For the diversity of the programs offered, FVTC has been named Member Organization of the Year by the Southern California Tennis Association. The award will be presented on Monday, March 7 at the Southern California Tennis Association annual meeting in the Straus Clubhouse on the UCLA campus. 

Don and Melinda Alger, program directors, understand that tennis offers various opportunities, and whether a player’s goal is to enjoy tennis as a social activity, or to compete for honors and accolades, they provide the instruction to help each student reach his or her goals.

The Algers blend their skills to make the program work. Don was an avid tennis player and competed both at his high school and at Cal State Fullerton. He started teaching tennis in 1968, started contracting to cities in 1970, and so began his association with Fountain Valley Tennis Center. Melinda worked as a supervisor for the Department of Social Services, involved with managing caseloads of up to 1,000 intake cases. She developed training modules, introduced better ways of case management and the flow of work assignments. Always the athlete, she was on her volleyball, softball and swimming teams; tennis was a new challenge for her.

Program Basics

FVTC, in conjunction with the Fountain Valley Recreation and Community Services Division, continues to promote a healthy lifestyle by creating community and enhancing quality of life through people, parks and programs. To promote the sport of tennis, the center offers a variety of programs to encourage residents to enjoy this great game. It offers lessons that help beginners learn how to play, programs that challenge experienced players, and it encourages players who just want to get out and exercise.

The comprehensive Fountain Valley program offers lessons for players as young as 3 years old, and it has programs for the over-50 set. The Quick Start program introduces people of all ages and abilities to the game, which can become instrumental in developing lifelong exercise habits while providing an enjoyable way to meet friends at the courts. The junior programs start players with group lessons, and many continue into competitive tennis. They take tournament training at the center, then move into USTA Junior Team Tennis. The Team Tennis program has produced 13 division titles. Regardless of the program entered, the satisfaction in mastering a new skill has far-reaching impact.

“Everyone needs recognition. It is in that recognition that they have a chance to grow and succeed. Hopefully the tennis center will always be available to recognize anyone who wants a chance to develop and become a good citizen and recognize what they have and give back what was given,” Don and Melinda said.

The center welcomes players of all levels, and Don and Melissa invite anyone interested to stop by. “Come over and meet the staff or review our website to choose the lessons are right for you. Get Out and Play Tennis!” they said.

For information on FVTC programs and classes, visit www.fvtenniscenter.com.