‘Smashing’ idea for children and adults without access to tennis equipment

Pictured: Oscar Gamble is building a tennis pantry for Noble Park in Paducah

Jane and Oscar Gamble of Paducah are sharing their ‘love’ for the game of tennis by building on an idea first heard through the United States Tennis Association (USTA) meeting, according to a Facebook post. Jane Gamble, President of the Paducah Tennis Association, stated that a similar idea was first conceived in East St. Louis and she hoped that the concept would spread in our community. 

The idea ‘in play’ is to provide any adult or child without access to rackets, the ability to have access to rackets. Through donations to a local tennis pantry, any passerby would be able to borrow a racket and ball for spontaneous play. 

The East St. Louis Community Tennis Association (CTA) is a non-profit charitable organization driven by the purpose of developing youth through the sport of tennis. They provide tennis lessons, equipment, and education designed to build skills and character in life on the tennis courts. 

A ‘drop-off’ location at a local tennis shop encourages players to donate their ‘slightly-used’ tennis equipment to be recycled and utilized by the local tennis programs. Rackets are used by local tennis players, including an East St. Louis high school team that don’t own their own rackets. The donated equipment gives these kids the ability to learn the game of tennis, grow with the program, and learn valuable life lessons. 

The spring 2020 tennis clinic in Paducah for children K - 12 was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. The clinic was sponsored by the Paducah Tennis Association and the Parks and Recreation Department and was to be held at the Paducah Tilghman Chad Gamble Tennis Courts.

The summer clinic is currently in progress. Play takes place on Sunday’s at Bob Noble Park in Paducah and ends on August 2nd. 

Jane Gamble has asked that rackets be left on her side porch located on Buckner Ln. in Paducah. If you’re interested in finding out more, contact the Paducah Tennis Association at 270-559-3039 or email at paducahtennisassociation@gmail.com.