Posted on: August 24, 2018

If you enjoy racquet sports, you’ll really like Mark Cunnington, the Director of Racquet Sports for the Glen Ellyn Park District. Mark has been teaching, coaching, and organizing various racquet sports for the Glen Ellyn Park District for the past three years, focusing on platform tennis, tennis, and pickleball. Lessons, games, and tournament opportunities are available for racquet sports fans of all ages!

As the traditional tennis season is coming to a close, platform tennis is gearing up. “We’re excited for the upcoming platform tennis season, and we’re holding an Open House on Friday, September 21st for anyone who is interested in learning to play,” said Cunnington. “The main differences between platform, or paddle, tennis and regular tennis include the size of the court, the type of ball used, and the size of the racquets. With platform tennis, it’s fun to be able to play the ball off the walls.” The Open House event is free, but registration is required.

Platform tennis is unique, in that it’s the only racquet sport that allows participation outdoors in cold weather. This appeals to people who like to exercise outdoors in the fresh air year-round, and who enjoy the competitive and the social aspects of the game. “Platform tennis is such fun to play,” said Cunnington. “I like the competition part of it; it’s really just you (and your partner if you’re playing doubles) having to find ways to win and compete. It’s also a wonderful recreational sport for those who just want to play for fun.”

Platform tennis is enjoyed by people of all ages, including Cunnington’s son. “Oliver, my six-year-old, enjoys platform tennis very much,” he explained. “Platform tennis has a great social element to it, as you mostly play in doubles teams. The group of four players makes it fun, it’s a good time. The exercise is an added bonus, especially in the winter. It’s great to get outside and play a fun sport on those cold, gray winter days. Kids love to play in winter, and it’s great for them to get both physical and mental exercise.”

Cunnington is USPTA and PPTA certified, with over six years of experience coaching platform tennis. He’s currently ranked in the top 40 in the nation for platform tennis.

“I enjoy overseeing the Platform Tennis program, which includes assisting with the Monday Night League and the Mens and Womens Travel Team Programs,” added Cunnington. “I’m also helping to develop the Juniors Program, and I’m available for private and group lessons. The favorite part of my job is the interaction with both adults and children who enjoy learning to play the game. If they look forward to class, I’m doing my job!”