A local tennis program for under-privileged youth is winding down its summer lessons over the next week and a half.

The Huey Feinhandler Foundation Northern Nevada Youth Opportunistic Tennis Program (HFFNNYOTF) began its end of the season skills competition Tuesday, signaling the beginning of the end. The eight-week program began in early June and concludes next week. It is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Oppio Park in northwest Sparks.

“I got a little encouragement from God and he gave me the ability to host the free tennis program,” said Ed Feinhandler, the HFFNNYOTF’s founder and tennis instructor. “I didn’t have any balls or rackets, but (tennis manufacturer) Prince has supplied me with those anytime we’ve needed anything.”

The program, which started in 1997, is completing its 14th summer teaching local youths. Feinhandler said more than 1,000 Sparks-area youths have participated over the past decade-plus.

“Any kid that comes across my path, I try to help,” Feinhandler said. “Ninety percent of these kids are really low income. They have zero or nothing.”

Feinhandler, a disabled American veteran, has coached tennis and basketball at Sparks High, but retired from prep coaching in 2005. He has been a substitute teacher for Washoe County in recent years.

“It’s huge to see the kids come through the program and go on to play in high school and graduate,” Feinhandler said. “Greenbrae Trophy has always donated trophies and engraving for the program’s awards. I couldn’t do this without all the great businesses in Sparks and Reno that help out. It’s amazing.”