Kathleen Reynolds saw just how successful TOPS soccer and basketball programs have been in the Wilmington area, and she wanted to follow the group's lead and bring special needs players to another playing surface.

On Sunday, the Friends of Wilmington Tennis and Recreation Department held the first of six weekly special needs tennis lessons at Boutwell School.

Reynolds said the biggest challenge was deciding what drills were best to run for the nine campers who were signed up for the session.

"It's been trial by error," said Reynolds. "I didn't know what to expect coming in. The idea is to get the players learning to feel comfortable with the racquet in their hand, and eventually the racquet on the ball."

In addition to the efforts of campers, Reynolds said the large turnout by players who volunteered their time to help teach was most impressive. 

"Seeing such a great volunteer turnout is great," said Reynolds. "We're conintuing to grow and I hope the kids had a good time on the court."