Volume VII Issue 6/ May 1, 2020
This is Tennis in Rockingham County
Hello Tennis friends,

It is May and we were hoping our tennis programs would be gearing up and we would be together on the courts enjoying this beautiful weather. None of us could have imagined what we would be facing when we were planning this Spring’s programs. From attending school online and working from home to sheltering in place and physical distancing; we all have adjusted as we work together to “flatten the curve”. Of course, we are mindful and thankful to those who are taking care of the sick, keeping the grocery stores open, and providing essential services to keep life as normal as possible. 

We are thankful for the excellent guidance from the USTA as we face these unprecedented times. Across the nation, all USTA play has paused, but planning has not and neither has home play. Check out links in this newsletter to see the latest updates and ideas for playing at home.

If there’s one thing this pandemic has taught us, it is to appreciate our community and being together. It’s also motivating us to do the things we must to protect our health and families so we can gather and play safely. So please adhere to current recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus. Let’s take care of ourselves and each other so that one day soon, we will...see YOU on the courts!!

Liz Luking
President, RCTA Board of Directors Photo from Abilities Tennis Day at Camp Jubilee, Summer 2019
RCTA COMMUNITY PROGRAMS SUSPENDED UNTIL MAY 31
We're hopeful to resume our community programs in June including Family Try Tennis, Cardio Tennis, and Performance Tennis training with coaches from Pat's Tennis Aces, as well as our weekly clinics with the eight summer day camp programs who are part of our National Tennis and Learning (NJTL) summer network.
"TENNIS AT HOME" EQUIPMENT BACKPACKS
Families from Bethany and Huntsville Elementary Schools are checking out "Tennis at Home" backpacks from RCS teachers Amanda Farrell and Sylvia Asnip.
Each backpack includes 2 youth tennis rackets, 3 balls (1 red foam and 2 red felt) and chalk, clothes pins, stickers and Net Generation caution tape to create your own court and scoring system. A limited number are available.
NEW TENNIS FACILITY PROPOSAL
Western Rockingham Middle School
Don't grab your racket just yet... but we're so excited that Rockingham County Schools has completed the engineering plans for a new tennis facility on the campus of Western Rockingham Mid dle School.
Next step? USTA Venue Design Group will review the plans and hopefully approve a Facility Assistance grant application. It's a process.
ANNA THOMAS RECEIVES
SOUTHERN TENNIS FOUNDATION
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP
Anna is a RCTA intern, NJTL Essay winner, and a senior at Reidsville High School in the International Baccalaureate program. Congratulations Anna!
Play Tennis with your family
PLAY TENNIS SAFELY
Guidelines for players and facilities
The USTA recognizes that the coronavirus has been affecting different parts of the country in different ways and with different timing. We therefore believe it will be possible for people to return to playing tennis safely in some cities and states sooner than others. Check with local tennis facility owners to determine their guidelines for safe play.
NET GENERATION "TENNIS AT HOME"
LIVE ON FACEBOOK/INSTAGRAM
Tennis lessons with Leah Freidman
Fridays at 1pm
Leah Friedman, National Manager of Net Generation, hosts an interactive 20-minute LIVE tennis lesson from her home to yours. Get your equipment ready and don't forget to ask permission to hit on a wall. You're gonna' love Fire Ants, Rally Play and everyone's favorite, FREE PLAY. New lesson every Friday at 1p. Don't miss it!
TENNIS AT HOME - FUN FOR ALL
Find fun tennis games for friends and family to play together at home. Create your free family account at www.netgeneration.com and receive new tennis videos, math and art challenges in your email three times a week.