Wheelchair Tennis

About:

One of the fastest growing wheelchair sports in the world, wheelchair tennis is played in the same way as able-bodied tennis, with the only exception being that a wheelchair tennis player is allowed two bounces of the ball. Men and women compete separately in the Open division, while players with higher levels of impairment compete in the mixed Quad division.

Wheelchair Tennis is easily adaptable; you can play with your family, friends and also non-disabled people. Our sport is also great at improving your physical, mental and social wellbeing, and individual development with great career opportunities from playing to coaching. Haven’t got your own sports wheelchair? Not to worry, our LTA events and a number of tennis venues across the country have access to their own stock of wheelchairs that are readily available to use for new players. Whether you are a full time wheelchair user, ambulant, new to tennis or have not picked up a racket in a while, why not give it a try!

Wheelchair tennis has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1992 and has been played at all four Grand Slams since 2007, while the BNP Paribas World Team Cup is the sport’s flagship international team competition.

Classification:

The ITF undertakes wheelchair tennis Classification in order to define who is eligible to compete in ITF Wheelchair Tournaments and group eligible players into categories (known as Sport Classes) for the purposes of competition, in an effort to ensure that it is sporting ability rather than nature or degree of impairment that determines success on the court. Classification is therefore important to ensure that competition in ITF Wheelchair Tournaments is fair and meaningful and results are determined by a player’s tennis ability rather than his or her degree of impairment.

The ITF operates two Sport Classes: the Open Division and the Quad Division. For the avoidance of doubt, male and female players in the Open Division compete in separate draws, whereas male and female players in the Quad Division compete together in one draw. Players are eligible to compete in the Open division if they have a permanent physical disability that results in substantial loss of function in one or both lower extremities (limbs) and that meets or exceeds the sport’s eligibility criteria. Such players who also have a permanent physical disability that results in substantial loss of function in one or both upper extremities, and where at least three extremities are affected, are eligible to compete in the Quad division.

Wheelchair Tennis Initiative Days:

Could you be a future Wheelchair Tennis champion? The LTA are set to host a number of indoor one day-events across Great Britain this year. The events will be delivered by our passionate, friendly and experienced LTA Performance Wheelchair Tennis coaches, where you will have the opportunity to learn and develop new qualities, skills and attributes for tennis. Each of the days will run for approximately three hours following fun and engaging content for players of all standard, experience, age and ability. The Wheelchair Tennis Initiative aims to inspire, attract and engage people with physical impairments into Wheelchair Tennis who may want to just give it a go or have aspirations to be our next Wheelchair Tennis Champion.

To ensure you experience all the benefits of tennis, following the one-day event we will provide you with suitable and appropriate signposting opportunities to tennis venues local to you which will help you develop as an individual and as a player, with opportunities to meet new people and friends. Note: you do not need to own a sports wheelchair to participate, or a tennis racket: we will provide all the equipment you need, but if you’ve got one or the other, please do bring them along!

For all enquiries related to the Wheelchair Tennis Initiative, please email disabilitytennis@lta.org.uk.

Clubs:

SOUTH WEST

The Heron Tennis Centre

Trenance Leisure Park, Edgcumbe Avenue, Newquay, Cornwall, TR7 2LZ

Website: www.heron-tennis.co.uk/disability-tennis

Tel: 01637 877555 | Email: herontennis@aol.com

Based at Heron, the Cornwall Disability Tennis Network programme offers a range of specific disability tennis sessions and we operate a policy of inclusion, wherever possible, into Heron’s non-disability programme. Our disability sessions are for players of all ages, catering for all sorts of disabilities and include both standing and wheelchair tennis. All equipment is provided including specialist chairs.

Oxstalls Sports Park

Tewkesbury Road, Longford, GL2 9DW

Website: www.freedom-leisure.co.uk/centres/oxstalls/tennis/

Tel: 01452 396969 | Email: oxstallsenquiries@freedom-leisure.co.uk

Adult wheelchair tennis sessions are held on a Monday night, 20:30 – 21:30 and junior sessions are held on a Thursday afternoon, 16:00 – 16:45

Portsmouth Tennis Academy

Burnaby Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2EL

Website: clubspark.lta.org.uk/PortsmouthTennisAcademy/Coaching/Disability

Tel: 02392 730082 | Email: enquiries@ptatennis.co.uk

As well as its great physical benefits, tennis offers everybody the chance to develop and build social skills, confidence, self-esteem and independence. Tennis can be adapted according to a player’s ability or disability, and Portsmouth Tennis Academy do our best to accomodate for all needs. All of our facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information on Disability Tennis, please speak to a member of the reception team.

Southbourne Tennis Club

Iford Lane, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH6 5NF

Website: https://www.southbournetennisclub.co.uk/

https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/DSTennisCoachingLtd/Disability/Wheelchair

Tel: 01202 434044 | Email: admin@southbournetennisclub.co.uk

£7 per session. Please enquire with Dave for info on Children sessions. First session free! If you have a physical impairment or are a wheelchair user, why not try tennis at Southbourne Tennis Club. We have great coaching and accessible facilities.

South Devon Tennis Centre

Erme Playing Fields, Ermington Road, Ivybridge PL21 9ES

Website: www.southdevontenniscentre.co.uk/?page_id=1948

Tel: 01752 893700 | Email: info@sdtennis.co.uk

We are very lucky to have an expert Wheelchair coach working with us at the South Devon Tennis Centre, in Fiona Murphy. Fiona runs an advanced Wheelchair group every Thursday. If you are interested in being part of this group or speaking to Fiona about individual lessons, then please contact Fiona on Tel: 07731831255 or Email at fionamurphy2023@sdtennis. Don’t worry if you have never tried wheelchair tennis before. We now hold a selection of chairs for you to try and take part in any of our regular tennis sessions. Our beginner tennis classes take place on a Thursday 7-8pm.

Taunton Tennis Club

Blackbrook Pavilion, Blackbrook Way, Taunton TA1 2RW

Website: www.tauntontennisclub.co.uk/wheelchair-tennis.html

Tel: 01984 623888 / 07779 911374 | Email: tauntontennis@googlemail.com

Whether you have a decent eye for a ball or you’re worried you might not even be able to hit it, we’re sure you’ll enjoy our sessions – and get something from them. There will be plenty of coaches and assistants around to help, give you tips and provide you with the right level of challenge. All you need to bring is yourself. We provide all the equipment: specially designed wheelchairs, rackets and balls. We run two sessions a week on the indoor courts and the first session is free.

White Horse Leisure & Tennis Centre

Audlett Drive, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 3PJ

Website: www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/vale-of-white-horse/white-horse-leisure-and-tennis-centre/tennis-white-horse

Tel: 01235 540700 | Email: sue.auger@gll.org

Wheelchairs provided. Inclusive session open to all, you do not have to be a wheelchair user. Sessions are Friday 7.00-8.30pm at £4.20 per person.

SOUTH EAST & LONDON

Bromley Tennis Centre

Avebury Rd, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9SA

Website: www.bromleytenniscentre.co.uk/disability-tennis

Tel: 01689 880407 | Email: info@bromleytenniscentre.co.uk

We are the Tennis Foundation disability hub site for Kent and collaborate with clubs around the county, to ensure there are regular Wheelchair Tennis sessions, weekly Learning Difficulty sessions and monthly Vision Impaired sessions.

Camber Lawn Tennis Club

Dulwich Common, London, SE21 7EX

Website: www.tennis-at-camber.org/wheelchair-tennis/

Tel: 07956 142070 | Email: chris@tennis-at-camber.org

Camber is proud to be the first and only venue to offer regular wheelchair tennis in any of the three South London boroughs of Southwark, Lambeth or Lewisham. These have been available since June 2015. The weekly sessions are run by a specially qualified coach and are completely free of charge apart from a small annual subscription for regular attendees. All equipment, included sports wheelchairs, is provided. With a brand-new, fully accessible clubhouse and state-of-the-art courts there will not be a better opportunity to try this exciting and fast-growing sport.

Canterbury Tennis Club

Littlebourne Road, Canterbury, CT3 4AF

Website: www.canterburytennisclub.co.uk/coaching/disability-tennis/

Email: willcarnegie@yahoo.com

Wheelchair tennis sessions are run on the fourth Sunday of every month indoors, 4-6pm. Open to players of ALL ages and abilities with a coach on hand to give advice, come and give it a go!

Halton Tennis Centre

Chestnut End, Chestnut Avenue, Halton Village, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5PD

Website: www.haltontennis.co.uk/disability-tennis/ | Email: office@haltonuk.com

Everyball Enabled is a very well established provider of disability tennis programmes for children and adults alike, with over 15 years experience. We pride ourselves on creating a safe and nurturing environment for everyone. Our aim is to motivate, inspire and enable people of all abilities, through the power of tennis and sport, to achieve the best they can whilst making friends and having lots of fun along the way! Halton Tennis Centre’s facilities are accessible to wheelchair users. Our indoor and outdoor courts are accessible, and access to the Pavilion Café and Bar is via a ramp (accessible toilets and showers are in the fitness centre).

Highgate Lawn Tennis Club

Shepards Cot, Park Road, London, N8 8JJ

Website: www.highgate-tennis.co.uk/inclusive-tennis/

Joe Lake is the lead coach for our inclusive tennis sessions, as well as wheelchair and VI tennis specific sessions. We have two Roma tennis specific wheelchairs and two multi-sport wheelchairs.

Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre

Eton Manor, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Leadmill Lane, London, E20 3AD

Website: www.visitleevalley.org.uk/disability-tennis-course

Tel: 03000 030 614 | Email: hockeytennis@leevalleypark.org.uk

Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre’s Tennis Development Officer and a team of outreach community tennis coaches work with local special educational needs schools and all ability clubs to establish a network of sustainable, inclusive tennis programmes. Our fully inclusive tennis programme will work in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association to provide supported sessions that give disabled players opportunities to enjoy tennis.

We offer the following disability tennis programmes: Two hour coaching and open play wheelchair tennis sessions led by LTA Qualified Disability coach. Minimum age 12 years old.

National Tennis Centre

100 Priory Lane, Roehampton, London, SW15 5JQ

Website: www.lta.org.uk/about-us/national-tennis-centre/

Tel: 020 8487 7298 | Email: ntc.enquiries@lta.org.uk / ntc.tennisteam@lta.org.uk

South East London Tennis

Ladywell Fields, Ladywell Rd, Lewisham, Kent, SE13 7UT

Website: www.southeastlondontennis.com

Tel: 07739 936999 / 07956 995820 | Email: info@southeastlondontennis.com

We run a down syndrome mini tennis session at Mayow Park and Junior Wheelchair tennis @ the sports hall in Ladywell Centre amongst other projects.

Sutton Tennis Academy

The Sports Village, Rose Hill Park, Rose Hill, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 3HH

Website: www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/sutton/sutton-sports-village/tennis-sutton

Wheelchair tennis sessions take place every Monday and Friday, 12:00 – 14:00

The Weald Lawn Tennis and Squash Racquets Club

South Bank, Hassocks, West Sussex, BN6 8JP

Website: www.the-weald.co.uk | Tel 01273 844283 | Email: wealdreception@btconnect.com

Adam Field is a LTA licenced Level 3 tennis coach, a former GB wheelchair tennis player and has achieved a world ranking of 10. Adam coaches all forms of disability tennis LD, wheelchair tennis and sound tennis, group coaching and is available for private lessons. Tel. 07796 144676

The West Worthing Club

Titnore Way, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 3RT

Website: www.wwc.org.uk/sports-and-activities/tennis/

Tel: 01903 247270 / 01903 505933 | Email: info@wwc.org.uk / tenniscoaching@wwc.org.uk

Our experienced coaches regularly instruct players with a range of disabilities. If you would like to find out how our coaching expertise can cater for your needs, please contact our Pro Shop. The Club owns specially adapted wheelchairs for those who wish to play but have mobility difficulties.

EAST

Bretton Gate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE3 9UZ

Website: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/CityofPeterboroughTennisClub

Tel: 01733 236854 / 07751 366934 | Email: billskead1@tiscali.co.uk

We are pleased to confirm we are starting our wheelchair tennis sessions on the indoor courts 7-8pm on a Tuesday. We have 4 tennis sports chairs at the club which can be used. Please turn up at 6:45 to get yourself set up in the chair. Open to all abilities.

East Anglia Tennis and Squash Club

Lime Tree Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 2NQ

Website: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/EastAngliaTennisSquashClub/InclusiveSport/Wheelchair

Tel: 01603 453532 | Email: derekperry@eatsc.org.uk

EATSC has established a reputation as a hotbed of Wheelchair Tennis talent. Alfie Hewett started his career under the guidance of Derek Perry, and since then, two other young players have made on the Wheelchair Tennis scene. Ben Bartram and Ruby Bishop have both been selected for the Junior Future Potential training programme, which aims to select gifted young players with the potential for international success, and we are looking forward to hearing more news of their success in the future.

Gosling Tennis Academy

Gosling Sports Park, Stanborough Rd, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6XE

Website: www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/welwyn/gosling-sports-park/tennis#GTInclusiveTennis

We are proud to offer a fully inclusive tennis programme with a diverse range of programmes designed to cater to people with different impairments.

Ipswich Sports Club

Henley Rd, Ipswich, IP1 4NJ

Website: www.ipswichsportsclub.co.uk/tennis/disability-sports/ | Tel: 01473 251143

As well as providing a coaching program for British number 3 Quad wheelchair player, Richard Green, the club currently works in partnership with Suffolk LTA to supply coaching for Thomas Wolsey School on a weekly basis and has delivered a program for the Raedwald Trust. In addition we have partnered with the charity, Sportability to deliver regular wheelchair tennis taster sessions

Riverside Tennis Club

Goldington Road, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40 3EA

Website: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/RiversideTennis/Coaching/Disability

Tel: 07989 113514 | Email: nobarriers@riversidetennisbedford.co.uk

Our aim is to inspire everyone to play tennis. Whatever your ability [we prefer to talk about ability not disability] there is always something at Riverside that you can get involved in. We are one of a small number of Clubs in the Country that are part of the Open Court Disability Tennis Network. Alongside the sessions we run the club has a good social scene and you can make new friends easily. We keep costs to a minimum due to our funding from the Tennis Foundation. Please feel free to get in touch with us if you’d like to know more or want to come for a free trial.

Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre

Garon Park, Eastern Avenue, SS2 4FA

Website: www.fusion-lifestyle.com/centres/southend-leisure-tennis-centre/activities/tennis/

Tel: 01702 613000

Wheelchair tennis sessions are on a Friday night from 19:00 – 21:00

MIDLANDS

Activeace Tennis

Tattershall Drive, The Park Estate, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 1BX

Website: www.activeace.co.uk | Tel; 01159 338363 | Email: admin@activeace.co.uk

Activeace is proud to be Nottingham’s leading provider of disability tennis coaching and provides sessions at Activeace Arena in The Park, Nottingham and Nottingham Tennis Centre. In association with Nottingham Trent University Martyn also trains the trainers in disability and inclusive tennis coaching.

Grantham Tennis Club

Arnoldfield, Gonerby Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire, NG31 8HU

Website: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/granthamtennisclubandgym/Coaching/Wheelchair

Tel: 01476 591391 | Email: info@granthamtennisclub.co.uk

Our aim is to inspire people with disabilities to play tennis, whatever their ability or background and to provide opportunities for all. The club won the LTA’s Disability Tennis Club of the Year Award in 2016 and finished as runner-up in 2019 and 2021. Wheelchair user membership is a 50% discount to whichever membership applies to the player. We run our wheelchair tennis drop-in session on Saturday from 1pm to 2:30pm. You don’t have to book – just turn up, pay, and play. Rackets can be provided if required.

Lexus Nottingham Sports Centre

University Boulevard, Nottingham, NG7 2QH

Website: www.nottinghamtenniscentre.co.uk/inclusion-disability/

Email: nottinghamtcenquiries@lta.org.uk

Sessions are pay and play so you do not need to commit to a course. If you have your own wheelchair that’s great, if not they have some you can borrow. Sessions at Nottingham Tennis Centre take place on Thursday 10am – 12pm (Improver class) & Friday 6pm – 7pm (7 – 13yrs and 13yrs – Adult Beginners classes). Sessions cost just £5.00 per hour.

Pershore Tennis Centre

Pershore College, Avon Bank, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 3JP

Website; www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/PershoreTennisCentre/Programme/Disability

Tel: 01386 556677 / 07866285177 | Email: reception@pershoretennis.co.uk

The Club provides a wide-range of tennis activities that includes coached sessions for wheelchair users and people with Down’s syndrome.

Sleaford Tennis Club

Boston Road, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 7EZ

Website: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/SLEAFORDTENNISCLUB/Coaching

Tel: 07519 633157 | Email: admin@sleafordtennisclub.co.uk

Sleaford Tennis Club is a very friendly, sociable and open tennis club. They are fully affiliated with the LTA, meet all the standards required for LTA affiliation and are also a registered Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC). Wheelchair and Open fully inclusive session take place at 1pm to 3pm every Wednesday. The cost is £10 for members and £14 for non-members for the 2-hour session.

Tennis Chesterfield

Hawksley Avenue, Chesterfield, S40 4TW

Website: www.tennischesterfield.co.uk/tennislessons/disability-tennis

Tel: 01246 238798 | Email: admin@tennischesterfield.co.uk

Tennis Chesterfield’s programme has won the Derbyshire LTA Disability Programme Of The Year Award for the last 7 years and is headed up by Andy Bell. Andy has a wealth of experience and passion for developing disability tennis and has numerous additional roles within the sport including Special Olympics Chairman for Derbyshire and LTA Open Court Lead for Derbyshire. All sessions are held at Chesterfield Lawn Tennis Club.

The Shrewsbury Club

Sundorne Rd, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY1 4RG

Website: www.theshrewsburyclub.co.uk/tennis/wheelchair-tennis/

Tel: 01743 467 755 | Email: enquiries@theshrewsburyclub.co.uk

The Shropshire Tennis Wheelchair Tennis Group is based at The Shrewsbury Club. Their coaching sessions are led by Nigel Hunter, the Director of Tennis for Tennis Shropshire, with support from Dan Morgan and Ryan Evans, on Tuesdays between 11am-1pm and Thursday evenings from 6-8pm. If you are looking to keep fit and active then come along and have a go. There are ‘taster’ sessions available and you do not need to be a member or join the club to try wheelchair tennis.

NORTH

Chatsworth Tennis Club

St Aidans Road, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 1LS
Website: www.chatsworthtennis.co.uk/ | Tel: 01228 514187 | Email: tennis@chatsworthtennis.co.uk

Chatsworth is a friendly, forward-thinking cub with around 250 members. We have both junior and senior sections and a comprehensive coaching programme catering to players of all ages and abilities in a fun, inclusive environment. Wheelchair tennis takes place every Friday 12.00 – 13.00.

Graves Health and Sports Centre

Bochum Parkway, Sheffield, S8 8JR

Web: www.placesleisure.org/centres/graves-health-and-sports-centre/ | Tel: 0114 283 9900

Wheelchair tennis is available on a Tuesday from 11 am to 12pm

John Charles Centre for Sport

Middleton Grove, Leeds, Yorkshire, LS11 5DJ

Website: www.active.leeds.gov.uk/findacentre/JohnCharlesCentreforSport

Tel: 0113 378 8000 / 0113 378 8235 | Email: jccs@leeds.gov.uk

Wheelchair tennis takes place on a Monday night between 19:00 & 20:30. Equipment can be provided including specialist wheelchairs.

Longley Community Sports Club

Longley Rd, Huddersfield, Yorkshire, HD5 8JL

Website: www.longleytennis.com | Tel: 01484 559019 | Email: longleysports@gmail.com

We welcome visitors of any age or ability to try our facilities and we hope our sense of pride and enthusiasm – and competitive rates – persuade you to join. Please contact us for a guided tour. Our club has full access for those with disabilities and sports wheelchairs are available for hire.

Silksworth Tennis Centre

Silksworth Lane, Sunderland, Tyne & Wear, SR3 1PD

Web: www.everyoneactive.com/centre/silksworth-tennis-centre/inclusive-tennis/

Tel: 0333 005 0152 / 0191 511 0611

We believe tennis is for everyone. The tennis centre is a part of the Tennis Foundation’s Disability Tennis Network (DTN) and currently offers coaching for wheelchair tennis and visually impaired (VI) tennis. Specialist tennis wheelchairs are available for players to use and adapted tennis equipment is available for blind and visually impaired players. Resident tennis coaches have undergone special training to work with a variety of disability groups.

York Disability Tennis Network

Web: www.ydtn.org.uk/wheelchair/ | Tel: 07557 983576 | Email: robhodge324@gmail.com

We currently run sessions at David Lloyd, Wigginton Tennis Club, York University and Strensall Tennis Club. All equipment will be provided. York Disability Tennis Network have two specially adapted wheelchairs for use in sessions.

SCOTLAND

Aberdeen Tennis Academy

Aberdeen Tennis Centre, Westburn Park, Westburn Road, Aberdeen, AB25 3DE

Web: www.sportaberdeen.co.uk/activities/tennis

Tel: 01224 507748 | Email: TennisCoaching@sportaberdeen.co.uk

An adult coaching session for wheelchair tennis, delivered on the indoor courts by our coaching team. The one-hour session will train chair movement, hitting drills and point play. You can use your own sports wheelchair, or one can be provided for you if arranged in advance.

Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club

Web: www.dundeedragons.net/wheelchair-tennis/

In the Winter months, Wheelchair Tennis sessions are held at David Lloyd, Ethiebeaton Park, Monifieth, DD5 4HB on Sunday afternoons, 14:00-16:00. During Spring and Summer, Tennis is played outside at Dawson Park, Arbroath Road, Dundee, DD5 1JX on Thursday evenings, 18:00-20:00.

Glasgow Disability Tennis

Scotstoun Community Indoor Tennis Centre, 72 Danes Dr, Glasgow, G14 9HD

Website: https://disabilitysportglasgow.org/?page_id=644

Facebook: www.facebook.com/glasgowdisabilitytennis/

Wheelchair tennis sessions take place on a Wednesday evening, 20.00 – 22.00 and is open to all ages.

Prestwick Tennis

1 Whinifield Place, Prestwick, KA9 2TS

Web: www.prestwicktennisandfitness.co.uk/tennis/disability-tennis

Tel: 01292 474700 | Email: reception@prestwicktennis.org

Junior Wheelchair tennis sessions take place every Sunday, 13:30 – 15:00. Adult sessions take place every Wednesday, 13:00 – 15:00

WALES

Craig-Y-Don Community Tennis Club

Craig y Don Community Centre, Queens Road, Llandudno, LL30 1AZ

Website: www.craigydontennis.co.uk/wheelchair_tennis

Tel: 01492 583900 | Email: info@craigydontennis.co.uk

Newport Tennis Centre

Newport International Sports Village, Newport, Gwent, NP19 4RA

Website: www.newportlive.co.uk/en/sports-wellbeing/tennis/disability-tennis/

Tel: 01633 656757 | Email: nisv@newportlive.co.uk

Our Junior Wheelchair Tennis Sessions take place at Newport Tennis Centre and are suitable for players with a physical disability or impairment aged 6+ who can self-propel a wheelchair. You do not need to be a wheelchair user to take part, we have a limited number of tennis wheelchairs available for use in the session.

Swansea Tennis Centre

Brunel Way, Swansea, SA1 7DS

Website: www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/SwanseaTennisCentre | Tel: 01792 650484

We offer both beginner and development sessions for Wheelchair Tennis on Friday evenings. If you would like further information please contact Tony on 07463 904 638

Wrexham Tennis Centre