PORTSMOUTH — Local residents may need to dust off their rackets because there’s a new opportunity to play tennis in town.

Over the winter, the Island Community Tennis Association (ICTA) was founded by a group of volunteers including U.S. Professional Tennis Association professionals Tina Schroeder and Randy Osga, along with Sara Mariani, Kate O’Connor, and Cindy Thornton.

“ICTA’s goal is to ignite the tennis flame in Portsmouth and get players on to the courts,” the association said in a prepared statement. “Tennis is a lifelong sport that requires little equipment and offers a great workout indoors or outdoors. A strong tennis community will foster friendships to last a lifetime. ICTA hopes to revitalize and grow tennis Portsmouth by bringing players both new and seasoned onto the beautiful courts at Portsmouth High School.”

ICTA will offer various tennis programs in Portsmouth for every age group and ability. The group will work to coordinate and maintain programs and events for Portsmouth residents as well as others from neighboring communities.

ICTA will collaborate with the newly formed Portsmouth Recreation Department to offer lessons, camps, adult leagues, a junior tennis team, community play days and pickleball, a paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels.

Sates and descriptions can be found in the 2016 Portsmouth Recreation Department catalog, which can be accessed at www.portsmouthri.com, under the Recreation Department. Check the catalog for pricing and other details.

ICTA has scheduled three free “play days” at the Portsmouth High School tennis courts. Each session will offer round-robin competition, free “mini” lessons and a chance to meet ICTA members.

The play days will be held on the following dates and times:

• 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 19

• 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 20

• 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 26

For more information regarding the programs and play days, contact Ms. Schroeder at 401/835-1662 and sntschroeder@mac.com; or Mr. Osga at 401/952-7435 and randyosga@gmail.com.