On Sunday, 11 May, Access Sport partnered with LTA Tennis Foundation to run an exciting new inclusive tennis festival at the National Tennis Centre in South West London.

Launched in 2023 in partnership with  LTA Tennis Foundation, Acez is a disability-inclusive tennis offer that empowers and trains clubs to run regular sessions for local young people.

The event brought together our growing national Acez network of tennis clubs to celebrate and encourage more disabled young people to get active through this amazing sport.

The young people were able to experience the world-class facilities used by the British Men’s, Women’s and Wheelchair high-performance tennis teams, as well as learn more about how the venue supports the players' training.

The event featured several engaging sessions across six courts, with accessible equipment for all participants. The activities were led by four community clubs who regularly run inclusive Acez sessions:

• Dulwich Lawn Tennis Club
• Get Set 4 Tennis
• Norbury Park Lawn Tennis Club
• The Elms Lawn Tennis Club.

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. With a quiet space, trained coaches and a relaxed atmosphere, the young people engaged with the activities and enjoyed themselves at their own pace.

As with all of our multi-sport festivals, we encourage disabled young people to bring their families and for everybody to get involved in the activities. For many young people, it was the first time they had experienced the joy of picking up a racquet and stepping onto a tennis court.

Michael, a parent, said:

“My daughter, Hana, is normally very nervous and anxious in new locations. This was her first ever involvement with an event like this, and we were nervous she would even refuse to enter the building or engage. She has never done a sporting event in a new place with other people. So with all she achieved today, we are so proud!”

“Thank you to all and the team for giving Hana such a great experience, which will help build her confidence in not only trying a new sport but engaging in social interaction with new people.”

Jonny Fenner, Access Sport Tennis Development Manager, said:

“Thank you, LTA Tennis Foundation, for allowing us to use this world-class venue. It has been brilliant to bring together our network of Acez clubs and celebrate all their amazing work. It’s amazing to see the appetite for Acez, I look forward to growing the programme and reaching more and more disabled young people.”

Helen Rowbotham, Access Sport Chief Executive, 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 at LTA Tennis Foundation, 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.”

Moving forward, we’re committed to removing barriers, engaging the next generation of disabled players, and ensuring that all young people, regardless of background, can enjoy the many benefits of inclusive tennis.

Interested in learning more about Acez Tennis?
You can click the link below to get in touch with Access Sport.
Changing Sports, Tennis >

To see the full album of images from the festival, please click the link below.
Acez Inclusive Tennis Festival>