Bill Weber is on a mission to grow the sport of tennis in Turlock and the surrounding areas.

The Denair High head tennis coach and longtime private coach is hosting a series of summer training camps for children ages 3 to 18 at the Brenda Athletic Club in Turlock.

"My primary goal for these camps is to grow tennis in the area. We do a lot of skill-building activities and real hands-on training,” said Weber. “It's also fun for me to watch my staff grow with the kids as well by the summer's end.”

The camps, which began on Monday, not only provided veterans insight on technicality of the game, but also helped to groom any newcomers who recently picked up tennis.

“The first week was very successful...very smooth. We use music during our camps to help pump up the energy. Dance is an expression of joy and that is exactly what I want to see in a child's face when they are on the tennis court. To me that's a total success," said Weber.

With five full courts, Weber was able to use a progression technique to teach new players.

“We use slower, lighter balls that make it easier a to learn,” said Weber. “This is the same method the Europeans have been using for 20 years and you can see who has more world rankings. I am one of the early adopters in Northern California and am the steering committee bringing this to the public.”

It allows newcomers to experience the game at their own pace.

“The analogy is simple, why give a kid the keys to dragster when learning to drive? We all know what happens,” Weber said. “Tennis has brought a tremendous joy to my life and I want kids to experience what I did as a child. Tennis is a lifelong sport that teaches kids life lessons.”

The camps will run into the first week of August. Weber will be hosting a 24-hour fundraiser starting at 10 a.m. June 13 and going until 10 a.m. June 14 to raise money for local high school and college tennis programs. The event will be held at the Brenda Athletic Club.

“As a high school coach myself I understand how valuable this could be to a program,” Weber added. “It could turn into balls or help offset a multitude of costs, maybe purchase uniforms for the players. If this is successful, I want to run this fundraiser every year at this time."

For more information about the camps or to register online, visit  http://billwoo7.delivr.com/2h6nt_qr or call Coach Weber at 604-2455.