LTA funding to create more tennis opportunities

A new partnership was developed between Smile Through Sport and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) this summer to develop tennis in the North East. We were approached to specifically looking at delivering more inclusive tennis programmes for disabled people to increase the number of people playing and trying tennis. The initial funding received focused upon delivery of inclusive tennis programmes across County Durham.

Once we received the funding in September 2023, the Smile team got to work to identify local groups and organisations in Durham who would benefit and be keen to get involved in such activities and programme. The groups who were identified included DADLG Durham, New Steps Care in the Community, Learning for Life, Direct Steps and The Sensory Place. Each organisation receives 12 weeks of tennis coached sessions by a Smile coach, as well as a tennis kit bag to enable tennis activity to sustain once the 12 weeks of delivery has ended.

We are working closely with the LTA to expanding the offer to other areas of the North East in the New Year. The aim would be to replicate the opportunities organisations in Durham have had to groups and organisations in Northumberland and Tyne & Wear.

Managing Director, Rachel Miller said “this is a fantastic partnership for both ourselves and the LTA. We have the coaches, contacts and local knowledge to deliver inclusive opportunities, and to have the additional resource and support of the funding through the LTA will have a massive impact upon the growth of activities for people with a disability in the North East. We look forward to working with the LTA in the New Year to see what other opportunities can be created for our region.”