ROCKINGHAM — Joining the parade of youth development camps this summer at Richmond Senior High School, the tennis program has tossed its racket into the ring.
Set to return for the third straight summer, Richmond’s tennis camp will be held early next month.
The three-day camp will operate beginning Monday, June 8, and run through Wednesday, June 10.
Over the past two summers, head coach Jessica Covington has made it part of the program’s regimen to host a summer camp.
She said the hope is to introduce younger players to the sport and give them a stronger foundation and understanding of the game.
Open to boys and girls ages eight to 18, the camp’s three daily sessions will run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
With registration now open, campers can pre-register until June 1 for $65. Signing up ahead of time also guarantees a camp t-shirt.
Cash or checks can be paid at the high school, and walk-ups are welcome any day of the camp.
Covington said tennis rackets will be provided to campers upon request and encouraged campers to bring plenty of water and snacks.
Helping out again this summer and assisting with instruction will be Tom Sweitzer, a USPTA pro from Moore County. He’s attended the past two camps.
Covington added there may be a second tennis pro at camp this summer. During last summer’s camp, about 40 campers attended to receive professional instruction.
“Our first two camps have been really successful and we hope this year will see familiar faces and some new ones, too,” Covington said. “Tennis isn’t a big sport in Richmond County, but we’re trying to make it have a larger audience and get more kids playing.
“All skill levels are encouraged to come out,” she added. “We will have stations and drills that meet everybody’s playing level. Our goal is to make tennis fun while giving younger players the chance to learn and grow with the sport.”
For more information, contact head coach Jessica Covington via email at jessicacovington@richmond.k12.nc.us.
