Mark Talyor, a father and former ThunderRidge High School tennis coach, is the owner and head tennis pro of Rocky Mountain Tennis Association. A Colorado transplant from Indiana, Taylor played tennis in high school, gave it up in college and then played recreationally for many years before stepping it up to tournament play. 

While on a vacation in the Bahamas about seven years ago, Taylor became inspired to turn his hobby into something more by bringing resort-level tennis camps down to a micro-level for kids. Rocky Mountain Tennis Association (RMTA) was born.

RMTA began with homeowner associations and has ramped up to now include large recreation centers. Taylor hires the best of the best – tennis pros with a strong desire and ability to work with children. In fact, many of his instructors are teachers or youth ministers by trade. He supplements his pros with collegiate and high school players. 

In years past, RMTA’s program has been more recreational based. New this year is their leap into the QuickStart Tennis (www.quickstarttennis.com) philosophy. With this, play begins on day one. For kids as young as six years old, mini-courts and low compression balls are used to get them volleying and understanding the game itself. Once a week, kids who are ready and comfortable have the chance to play in a match. First, intra-club and eventually, inter-club. “Kids love being part of a team and sharing success with others,” said Taylor.

According to Taylor, other sports such as soccer and baseball have long been taught utilizing games from the get-go. Kids have a uniform, play another team, have fun and eventually figure out the rules. It’s time tennis is taught in the same way. 

In Castle Pines North and Castle Pines Village, RMTA is offering a number of summer programs in June and July for kids ages four and older. QuickStart-based camps, “Future Stars” and “Brawlers” are offered for kids ages 6 to 9. Recreational programs, “Gorillas,” “Baseline Bullies,” and “Mid-Court Monsters” are available for children ages 4 to 10. RMTA also offers junior tennis teams for children 10 and older as well as several adult classes. 

Tennis is a life-long sport and Taylor wants kids to love the game. “It can be played through older age, a racquet can easily be packed for vacation and it is a great source of exercise. The true beauty of tennis is that it only takes two people to have a game,” said Taylor.

Taylor points out that RMTA is not a service for the elite player. “We are not looking to raise the next champion, rather we want to raise an enormous amount of champions,” said Taylor. 

For more information about RMTA or to register for a class, visit www.rockymountaintennis.com, click “Facilities” and then “Castle Pines” or “Castle Pines Village.”