“Our starting point was with Access Sport who were able to train us and take away the fear of working with people with disabilities.”

Access Sport’s work in tennis focuses on filling a gap so disabled young people are no longer overlooked when it comes to participating in this terrific sport.

Saltford Tennis Club is a community club led by a team of volunteers and head coach, Andy.

Our team partnered with the club in 2024 to launch pan disability Acez tennis sessions, and after a successful inclusive open day, sessions now run weekly on Saturdays with help from volunteers. We also provided our Disability Inclusion Training to Andy and the teams so that they felt comfortable leading sessions with disabled young people.

Tom is one of the volunteers and is Autistic. He enjoys sharing his love for tennis with Autistic participants.

Tom said:

“I love seeing the reaction of the participants. They’re so happy and so excited. Seeing them being able to participate in sessions like they are, they’re not different and that’s a really good thing.”

Since volunteering at these sessions, Tom is now considering going down the coaching pathway and wants to inspire more individuals to pick up a racket. He attended the Avon Tennis Open court conference where he spoke about his experiences volunteering at these sessions and the need for more sessions like this.

A volunteer said:

“I cannot over-emphasise the mental well-being benefits and sheer joy of being involved with these participants.”

Through our support, volunteers and participants feel a part of the club and have expressed improved mental wellbeing and a sense of belonging. The sessions are relaxed, fun and social. Not only is the impact of these sessions huge for participants but also for the volunteers. There is a strong sense of community at the Acez sessions. They have become the heart of this community club.

A parent said:

“I would say the coaching team and volunteers have played a huge part in making our family feel welcome at Saltford Tennis Club, remembering both children’s names, addressing them when talking to them as well as acknowledgement of us the parents. Asking if we would like a cup of tea, this small kind gesture is so greatly appreciated when you are so busy looking after your children and someone else offers to look after you, it makes you feel seen.”

Another parent said:

“Both my husband and I are blown away by Andy and the various volunteers, they are always brimming with enthusiasm and energy and are so responsive and reassuring to all the children that attend. The care and volunteers really help both my children feel engaged and have the ability to be fully involved.”