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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Summer vacation is right around the corner, and with the ongoing economic challenges facing most American families, parents are surely looking for ways to keep their children happy and healthy without breaking the bank. What better way to keep kids fit then having them involved with a fun, safe outdoor activity that gets them off the couch and active with friends and family at virtually no cost.
Tennis, the fastest growing sport in the country (according to Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association data), is a fun, accessible and healthy recreational summer option for families. Whether the child already has a handle on the game, or has never picked up a racquet, tennis is an extremely cost-effective outlet for kids and parents that also provides important social and parental benefits.
“During these tough times, it is more important than ever for parents and children to come together and have a good time as a family,” noted Patrick McEnroe, General Manager, United States Tennis Association Elite Player Development. “Tennis is an affordable activity that fosters family unity by providing an opportunity for parents to bond with their children, while teaching essential lessons including sportsmanship.”
The perception of tennis as a “country club” activity is way off the mark; in fact, more than 70% of all tennis courts in the U.S. are free, public courts, and they’re available in nearly every city across the country. Plus, with the minimal cost for a racquet and a ball, the cost for a summer’s worth—and maybe a childhood’s worth—of tennis activity is often less than what parents would spend on just one video game for a child. In fact, when compared to equipment costs for other youth sports, tennis is less expensive than football, baseball, softball and lacrosse by nearly 50%.
For parents who are new to the game and need guidance to help teach their children, the USTA provides parental guidebooks on www.quickstarttennis.com. The guidebooks include age specific drills and practice sessions for parents to play with their kids to help them improve their game, while still having fun and getting the daily dose of exercise they need.
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