Youth Tennis Camp Launches at Starkville High School

Children participating in a youth tennis camp at Starkville High School.

News Summary

Starkville High School will host the All Love Tennis Club Summer Youth Tennis Camp, designed for children aged 6 to 11. Scheduled for June, the camp aims to provide a fun and inclusive environment for young players to learn tennis fundamentals. Registration costs $120 and includes snacks and loaner rackets. With a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for newly resurfaced courts, this initiative seeks to enhance youth engagement in tennis and promote physical activity among the community.

Starkville

Vanessa Shaffer is set to launch a summer tennis camp named the All Love Tennis Club Summer Youth Tennis Camp for young players at Starkville High School. This initiative aims to engage children aged 6 to 11 in a fun and supportive environment, from June 9-12, 2023, daily between 8 to 11 a.m.

Located at 603 Victory Lane, the camp will emphasize enjoyment, movement, and music, incorporating games to foster a spirit of playfulness while building children’s self-belief. Parents need not worry about their child’s experience level, as no prior tennis experience is necessary for participation. Registration is open for a fee of $120 per child, which includes provided snacks and loaner rackets for the campers.

Camp Goals and Activities

Vanessa Shaffer aims to create an inclusive atmosphere where children can freely learn the fundamentals of tennis while enjoying the game. Activities will largely focus on fun and energetic engagement rather than competitive pressure. This initiative stands out as a way to introduce young participants to the sport in an accessible and enjoyable format.

Recent Developments at Starkville High School

The upcoming camp follows recent developments at Starkville High School’s tennis facilities, where a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of newly resurfaced tennis courts attended by local officials and community members. The renovation project was made possible with the support of the Starkville Community Foundation, which raised $10,000 through the Natalie Williams Compassion Fund. This project was dedicated to Natalie Williams, a former student and tennis team member, commemorating her contributions to the community.

In addition to the camp, the resurfaced courts will provide an improved playing surface for both campers and the general public. The courts will be available for community use except during teams’ scheduled practices and matches. The re-opening of the courts is expected to encourage further youth engagement in tennis and promote healthy physical activity within the community.

Shaffer’s Role as Head Coach

Alongside her role in organizing the youth camp, Vanessa Shaffer has recently been appointed as the head tennis coach at Starkville High School, succeeding Anna Albritton. This new appointment positions Shaffer to foster talent at the high school level while spearheading initiatives like the youth camp to cultivate interest in tennis among younger players.

The All Love Tennis Club Summer Youth Tennis Camp not only reflects Shaffer’s commitment to youth tennis development in Starkville, but it also contributes to the ongoing efforts to engage the community in sports through available facilities and programs. As Starkville continues to nurture its local sports programs, initiatives like this camp are crucial for promoting active lifestyles and inclusivity.