Update on APTA’s efforts to grow the game

The following clubs were fortunate to receive grant money from the APTA to help fund new or refurbished courts in the 2012-2013 paddle season. Here are some details of their programs. From the rocky coast of Maine to the peachy state of Georgia, our game is growing!

Windward Lake Club, Alpharetta, GA
Two refurbished courts were installed. The grand opening event in December had a turnout of almost 100 players. They held a beginner instructional class in the morning and an intermediate/advanced class in the afternoon. In between classes, there was a women’s exhibition with Sue Aery, Agata Cioroch, Lisa Teer and Sharon LeRoux and a men’s exhibition by Jay Bailey, Peter Lauer, Scott Kaufman and Graham McNerney. Peachtree Paddle League will now include Windward in their functions and organized league play. In addition, the club will offer recreational play on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, and junior play on Thursday afternoons.

Amy Riley, Club Director, stated, “We look forward to growing platform tennis in the South. The grand opening event wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without Rob and Didi Chapdelaine. Their enthusiasm is catching!”

Guilford Racquet and Swim Club, Guildford, CT
The club opened two brand new courts in October. There are groups at all levels, as they are offering clinics for adults and juniors. Three PPTA professionals, Steve Godiksen and Steve and Trish Griggs, are on staff. Several contract courts are meeting weekly and the hope is to launch adult leagues soon. In January, Guilford hosted both a men’s and women’s tournament. Manager Sarah Boone said, “We are very excited!”

York Paddle Tennis Club, York, ME
A second court was added onto their grounds in November and an open house was held to entice new members. Pro Dan McCormick ran several clinics to increase awareness of the improvements at the club. Membership has grown to 55 players over the past five years.

Member Greg Campbell said, “Since we added the second court, the level of play has gone up about 50 percent and we are holding more events.”

Delaware Tennis and Paddle Club, Newark, DE
Through APTA and MAPTA grants, the club was able to resurface both paddle courts, get two new nets, and upgrade the existing lighting, making the courts playable day and night.

DTPC has an organized platform tennis program that plays at Deerfield Country Club. The two courts host over 200 players and guests in the community, who play in leagues, round robins, tournaments, team practices, “Discover Paddle” days, and social pick-up games during paddle season.

DTPC currently has four women’s teams and three men’s teams involved in the MAPTA league.

Elysium Tennis, Columbus, OH
Elysium Tennis has two platform tennis courts completed (of a proposed four). Three of the four PPTA pros in Columbus, Brian Heil, Kevin Hornik and Katya Yergina, are on staff.

Adult and junior programs are offered every day of the week and turnout has been great so far. All expectations are that this is only the beginning of something big.