This year we approved funding for Lido Park Tennis Club’s Cerebral Palsy Children’s Group. The group was formed after a 6year old girl with CP came to join in sessions at the Club. After chatting with her parents, Neil Bates, the Lead Coach, joined some local CP social media groups to see if there was anyone else wanting to play tennis. They now have 12 children attending regularly – 3 in wheelchairs and the others using walkers or more ambient. They say that at every session it feels like someone new joins in, with participants travelling in some cases over 30 miles to join in the fun!
The success of the group has also meant that alongside the coaches they now have a group of fantastic young teenage volunteers who give up their time to help on every single session. They have gained some invaluable experience which will help them in the future as they progress towards their coaching qualifications.
We really love seeing how members of this tennis club have come together so quickly to make sure there is a tennis offer for everyone in their community. We were delighted to support them with funding towards LTA licensed coaches and indoor venue hire.
If you are inspired to start an inclusive tennis session at your Club then contact the LTA who can offer you advice and contacts – and then we are there to help with funding.
