(WSVN) — Tennis is a great sport to keep fit and physically active, but it’s also a good way to teach kids important life skills. 7’s Lynn Martinez shows us a new program where pros are teaching kids for free in today’s Parent to Parent.
Playing tennis is a passion for these guys. John Eagleton is originally from South Africa. He went on to become an All-American tennis player as a Miami Hurricane.
John Eagleton: “University of Miami gave me a lot, it was a great opportunity.”
Howie Orlin played for Clemson, but never forgot his days on Miami Beach.
Miami Beach Tennis Management Executive Director Howie Orlin: “I have been playing since a little boy, and actually grew up on these courts.”
Now they have come together to give back to the community.
Howie Orlin: “To have our kids playing the sport of a lifetime has always been a goal for us.”
They created a program to teach tennis to hundreds of kids, who want to play for free.
Howie Orlin: “It’s kids that obviously don’t get a chance to be exposed to the game.”
Kids meet at the Flamingo Park Center after school to learn the moves from the pros, but John says it’s a lot more than that. Tennis teaches kids the skills they need to be successful in life.
John Eagleton: “You learn right upfront that you have to be accountable for yourself. You learn to be responsible, you learn to follow instructions.”
John says the game teaches you how to rely on yourself.
John Eagleton: “Whether you’re a good player, or just a beginner just competing, the pressure is the same.”
The game also teaches kids how to win and lose gracefully. It keeps them on their toes, forcing them to think of their opponents next move.
John Eagleton: “You have to keep track of what’s happening on the other side of the court, you gotta call your own plays.”
Eight-year-old Ezequiel says tennis is fun but also a challenge.
Ezequiel: “Sometimes I missed, sometimes I made it.”
Seven-year-old Amirah says hitting the ball gives her a sense of accomplishment.
Amirah Smith: “It makes me feel happy, because I made it go across the net.”
One thing is for sure, after playing, all these kids feel good about themselves.
Lynn Martinez: The program is funded by the Miami Beach Tennis Foundation.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Miami Beach Tennis Management
Tel: (305) 673-7761
www.miamibeachtennis.org