Access Sport x LTA Tennis Foundation: The Acez Inclusive Tennis Festival
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Hosted at The National Tennis Centre (NTC) on Sunday 11 May, the Acez Inclusive Tennis Festival offered an opportunity for local tennis clubs to get together and showcase what disability inclusive tennis is available.
Supported by LTA Tennis Foundation the festival was more than just a sports event. It was a community gathering for young people and an opportunity to explore tennis in a supportive environment. The LTA Tennisables mascots, Ace and Spin, were on site to welcome the participants.
The players’ lounge at the NTC was converted into a designated quiet space to allow participants the opportunity to remove themselves from the excitement and relax in a calm environment if needed, something that is important to consider when delivering inclusive tennis sessions.
In order to ensure the volume on court did not get too noisy, there was a limit of 10 participants per court. Attendees were also encouraged to bring ear defenders, sunglasses and fidget devices to help make their experience of the Acez Inclusive Tennis Festival the best it could be.
Participants were assigned a team, in conjunction with the LTA’s Tennisables, before enjoying a rotation through four activities for 20 minutes each. This helped ensure that everyone had the opportunity to give everything a go and meet all the coaches and volunteers.
Experienced coaches from local venues (Norbury Park LTC, Dulwich LTC, The Elms LTC, and Get Set 4 Tennis CIC) along with volunteers led fun, engaging sessions focussing on various technical aspects of tennis whether that be practising backhands as a group or learning to volley with a balloon.
It was incredible to see so many young people, the majority of whom were experiencing tennis for the first time, enjoy such an inclusive and welcoming environment. Amongst all the sports that we work with, tennis is leading the way in terms of inclusivity.
Helen Rowbotham, CEO of Access Sport said “A huge thank you to LTA Tennis Foundation for supporting this inspiring event! It was incredible to see so many young people, the majority of whom were experiencing tennis for the first time, enjoy such an inclusive and welcoming environment. Amongst all the sports that we work with, tennis is leading the way in terms of inclusivity. Whether it’s the flexibility in terms of session structure or the introduction of alternate equipment, coaches are able to deliver brilliantly enjoyable and engaging activities from which everyone can benefit. We’re excited to continue working with LTA Tennis Foundation, alongside our brilliant community clubs, coaches, and volunteers, to grow Acez and open up this life-changing sport to even more disabled young people.”
Tom Gibbins, Head of Foundation Development said, “We’re pleased to see our partnership with Access Sport progressing so well. Their work to improve access to tennis aligns closely with LTA Tennis Foundation’s mission to improve lives through tennis, and we are committed to supporting initiatives like this festival that help make the sport more inclusive.”
Both Get Set 4 Tennis and Bright Ideas for Tennis, who were also in attendance, are part of LTA Tennis Foundation’s ‘charity network’ which brings together different organisations to collaborate, share knowledge and identify further opportunities to help improve lives through tennis. further opportunities to help improve lives through tennis.
Charity Network
Learn more about LTA Tennis Foundation's charity network
