Pumpkin Spice and Tennis Ball Scent in the Fall Air in Gloucester Township

Fall has arrived. For some, it is the favorite time of year. It brings back the smell of pumpkin spice and tennis balls. What is that you say? Isn’t tennis a summer sport? Actually, according to the ATP World Tour tennis calendar, the season never really ends.

On the men’s side, it does culminate in mid-November at the ATP World Tour finals where the best eight players of the year play for the top prize. However, there is little time for festive follies as these athletes are already eyeing the recently released 2015 ATP World Tour calendar.

It features 62 tournaments in 31 countries across 6 continents beginning with Brisbane, Australia on January 5th. Who said tennis was a “minor” sport?

With the spirit of this in mind, Fall Youth QuickStart Tennis in Gloucester Twp. will begin on Saturday, September 27th and continue for 6 weeks of fun and learning. The ages 5-7 and 8-10 programs are held at Gloucester Twp. Community Park with in-person registration beginning at the recreation center (856-435-5734) on September 10th.

Sessions are on Saturday mornings at either 9 or 10:15 AM and, unlike other fall sports, all equipment is provided. Parents are also an important part of the program as they are at some point invited on the court to participate and enjoy tennis-related games or activities just as much as their kids do.

Registration if only $65 per student (2 for $110) and includes 7 hours of activity-based skill development. Contact Ron Miller of Gotta Play Tennis at gottaplaytennis.ron@gmail.com or call 856-359-GPTS for more information.

Ron Miller is a PTR Junior Certified tennis instructor who teaches group and private lessons for kids and adults through Gloucester Township Recreation in the SJ area. His website and podcast (in iTunes) provide free instructional content for beginners to advanced players.