Wheelchair-users across the country are being invited to get into tennis at a series of try-out days organised by the LTA, starting this month.
The LTA Wheelchair Tennis Initiative aims to attract, inspire and engage people with physical impairments into the sport and the taster days will include activities to cater for every skill level.
Following each event, the LTA – tennis’ governing body in the UK – will direct each participant towards opportunities to continue playing that are most appropriate for their skill level. These could be local venues offering recreational wheelchair tennis activity through the LTA Open Court programme, or centres delivering elite training as part of the LTA Wheelchair Performance Pathway.
ABILITIES
Each of the days will run for approximately three hours and will include fun and engaging content for players of all standards, experience, ages and abilities. All sessions are free to take part in, and will be delivered by experienced LTA Performance Wheelchair Tennis coaches, who will help equip participants with new qualities, skills and attributes required for tennis.
All equipment, including sports wheelchairs to participate, tennis rackets and balls will be provided on the days.
LTA Wheelchair Talent Initiative taster days:
Saturday 17th July: Dan Maskell Tennis Centre, Loughborough
Sunday 29th August: Scotstoun Leisure & Tennis Centre, Glasgow
Saturday 4th September: Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre, London
Sunday 26th September: Bolton Arena, Bolton
Saturday 9th October: Colwyn Bay Tennis Centre, Wales
Sunday 10th October: Swansea Tennis Centre, Wales
Sunday 17th October: White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre, Abingdon
Helen Reesby, LTA Head of Wheelchair Performance Pathway, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to confirm dates for these events and can’t wait to get out and meet everyone who wants to get involved in our sport.
“The exciting thing about these events is that there are options for everyone to carry on playing and enjoying tennis once they have had a go for the first time – whether they just want to continue playing casually and meet new people through our Open Court programme, or they show potential to develop into elite players.
“Wheelchair tennis is easily adaptable from the non-wheelchair version of the game, and is great for physical and mental health, so I’d encourage anyone with an interest to come and have a go.”
To sign up to one of the days, simply complete the registration form and select which day you would like to attend. For all enquiries related to the Wheelchair Tennis Initiative, please email disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk.
