Champions crowned at the 2025 Learning Disability Tennis National Finals in Bolton

Image credit: Alex Dodd Photography

“About a year later, I finally managed to get myself involved thanks to the help of the coaches, who did a few solo sessions with me and I haven’t looked back since.

“I always did well in Club Championships and playing in the Glasgow youth leagues for Kilmarnock Tennis Club, so I started playing in tournaments in late 2021 and have continued this ever since, as it has helped me make so many friends across the country.  

“Tennis has also taught me a lot - like having the confidence to stand up for myself and to never give up. I also love tie-breaks because I’ve ended up in so many of them and always keep committing to going for winners when it really matters. 

“Having ADHD and autism can sometimes mean I struggle with focus, but I can also get super-invested in a match and will give it everything to get over the line. Because matches are umpired, it lets me concentrate more on playing rather than score-keeping and line calls.

“I got involved with LD tennis in mid-2024 and have enjoyed every event I’ve managed to make it to since. The group is so friendly and the atmosphere at competitions is a lot more relaxed which has helped me enjoy my tennis much more. I love how everybody talks about their matches and look forward to seeing each other. I feel like I belong here and don’t stick out. 

“I worry less about my ADHD and trying to contain my physical movement off the court. Being autistic is just part of my life, it sometimes makes life difficult - but I’m also determined to make the best of the opportunities it gives me. Joining the Team GB LD squad was a massive boost to me and my next goal is to play with the Performance Squad.”

Scotland West’s Aidan Moody was another stand-out performer at this year’s LD Nationals in Bolton, as he emerged victorious in the II1 Men’s Singles and he also won a doubles event with partner Joshua Kerr to cap off a stellar year. 

“2025 has been my most successful year in tennis and it was topped off by winning both the Singles and Doubles titles in the Learning Disability National finals this month in Bolton,” said Aidan.

“It was a brilliant way to end the season and I was really proud of my achievement and the way I played my matches. I gave it everything, worked hard for every point and I was delighted that my hard work paid off. 

“It’s the second time I have won the singles title and it was a great feeling to be crowned National champion. I love competing in the National finals as there is always a brilliant atmosphere with great tennis being played in all divisions.

“There have been many special moments this year. In January, I competed in the Australian Open Intellectual Disability tournament and finished 4th in the Singles and runner-up in the doubles with my partner, Olly (Beadle). 

Image credit: Alex Dodd Photography

“We continued our success at the Virtus World Championships, in May in Kazakhstan, winning two silver medals for Great Britain in the doubles and team event. In August I was delighted to win the Play Your Way to Wimbledon Learning Disability tournament – another very special moment!

“Tennis plays a huge part in my life and being involved in the Learning Disability programme has given me so many amazing opportunities and experiences. 

“Never did I think I would be competing at the Australian Open or playing on the Wimbledon courts when I started playing tennis at my local club, Giffnock LTC in Glasgow at the age of nine.

“It quickly became my passion. I became involved in Learning Disability tennis when I was 15 and started playing the regional tournaments around the UK. I am part of the GB National squad and I am very proud to have represented Great Britain at three international events. I absolutely love being part of the team.

“Tennis has had a really positive impact on my life, as well as loving the sport, I have met great friends, team mates and coaches and I can’t wait to see what 2026 holds.”

The LD Tennis National Finals is a tournament that provides opportunities for all abilities, with players grouped into varying ball colour divisions: yellow ball, green ball, and orange ball. Within these three categories, players are further grouped into divisions based on prior knowledge of the athletes and previous tournament results.

The event is a key part of the LTA’s disability tennis competitions calendar – competitions which are run by the LTA to give more people the opportunity to compete in learning disability, visually impaired, deaf, wheelchair and para standing tennis.