July 18, 2025

Lil’ Pro Tennis ready with the rackets for second offering of program at Newton YMCA

By Dustin Teays

Lil' Pro Tennis will be making its return to the Newton YMCA when the program kicks off its second offering on Feb. 12. (Submitted Photo)

Lil’ Pro Tennis, one of the newest Lil’ Pro programs at the Newton YMCA, is returning for its second session to teach preschool-aged kids the ins and out of tennis while staying active and having fun.

The Lil’ Pro program is sponsored by REG in Newton and consists of many different sports for children to become involved in. Whether it is basketball, football or the newer tennis program, it is designed to introduce children to sports.

“It is for more or less preschool-age children, maybe up to kindergarten,” adult and youth sports director Scott Taylor said.

The program is led by new YMCA CEO Lucas Hughes, who is certified through the professional tennis registry for 10 and under, and Taylor, who has experience with teaching children.

“Lucas and myself are certified to teach it and know how to work well with kids,” Taylor said. “It is still relatively new.”

The tennis segment of Lil’ Pro has had one previous session apart from the upcoming program. The sessions will take place from 6 to 6:45 p.m. for four weeks starting Feb. 12.

“It is another way they could try to get their child to do something nontraditional, it’s not basketball, it’s not football,” Taylor said.

The program teaches children the basics and fundamentals of tennis. Watching the children improve while learning new things along the way was one point Taylor brought away from the first session.

“They had a good time ... Saw a lot of good things to be a good solid program,” Taylor said.

The program, which is now open for registration, is open to both members and nonmembers. The cost for members is $24 while non-members is $48.

Taylor attributes to REG sponsoring Lil’ Pro Sports since 2011 for being able to keep the costs affordable for families.

“We thank REG. We are able to give we feel a quality program for a very affordable price,” Taylor said.

The Lil’ Pro Sports program as a whole does many things for kids including teaching them the basics of sports, allowing them to actively participate and socialize while remaining active. It is a great way to introduce children to sports, develop basic fundamentals and be active in a fun environment.

“We really love the program, and love all of our Lil’ Pro series programs here,” Taylor said.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com