ALPENA –A new tennis program is about to be launched at theAPlex and it will allow youth in the area an opportunity to learn more about the sport and get instruction from a tennis pro. The goal of the program is to expose kids to the sport and continue to do it as a recreational activity and to help stay fit.

According to Synchronizations Management co-owner Norm Sommerfeld, who manages the APlex, the program is Say Yes to Tennis and it was developed for students in third grade through 12th grade and allows them to come to the APlex and get free lessons from a pro.

He said people can schedule three lessons in time slots and the equipment and everything the kids need is provided.

“We are really excited about this because we have had a hard time getting to the young kids after we lost Ready, Set, Serve,” he said. “We are always looking for ways to teach kids lifelong sports and this is one they can play from the age of three or four until they are in their 80s or even 90s.”

Sommerfeld said besides being fun, playing tennis requires the use of many muscles and will help keep kids physically fit.

“It promotes a healthy lifestyle and it keeps them moving and that is one of the main things we want to accomplish.”

Sommerfeld said people in the tennis community and sponsors have come together to make the program a reality. He said they all know the importance of kids having the appropriate amount of exercise and playing a sport they enjoy.

The program isn’t going to start until September but Sommerfeld said people can begin signing up before that. He said magnets will be handed out during the Fourth of July parade that will have information about the program on them. He said people can begin calling to set up times afterward.

“There will be slots available once a month, so you will want to call and schedule as soon as possible,” he said. “Most of the lessons will take place after school in the fall, or on Saturdays.”

He said there will be four kids on the court at one time learning the proper way to play from a professional. The only thing required for the students is a good pair of tennis shoes.

“Just bring your shoes and a willingness to learn,” Sommerfeld said.

Sommerfeld said the program also will be promoted in schools in Alpena, as well as those in Rogers City, Posen, Hillman, Atlanta and Alcona. He said information about the program will come to parents in Friday folders that are sent home.

“This isn’t just for kids in Alpena, but also those who live in the outlying areas,” he said. “We want to get as many people as we can to play tennis and live healthy.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via email at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689. Follow Steve on Twitter ss_alpenanews.