With sunshine and blue skies, the final school term has been the perfect backdrop for outdoor activity and with Wimbledon showcasing elite talent across all formats, pupils have had even more reason to get inspired.

But inspiration isn’t limited to elite sport. Without access to grassroots opportunities, the next generation of athletes can’t thrive. The pandemic significantly reduced such access, particularly for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with research revealing many were missing out on playing tennis or connecting with local provision.

To address these persistent inequalities, the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) teamed up with the Youth Sport Trust to deliver the Open Court programme. By combining the LTA’s expertise in tennis with the Youth Sport Trust’s nationwide network of Lead Inclusion Schools, schools that champion inclusive practice at a local level, the partnership set out to inspire young people with SEND to engage with the sport, while also equipping practitioners across the country to create sustainable, inclusive tennis opportunities beyond the programme itself.

Across England, Lead Inclusion Schools have been hosting Open Court Tennis festivals, offering young people with SEND the chance to pick up a racket, many for the very first time. From wheelchair tennis to sensory-based activities, the message is simple: tennis is for everyone. Each county now has an Open Court Lead who helps connect schools with local community tennis provision.

So far, 1,510 pupils have taken part (94% with a special educational need and/or disability), with 381 educational practitioners trained to ensure they are able to continue to deliver inclusive tennis opportunities in their schools.

Inclusive and Inspiring Participation in Slough

The Slough Tennis Festival welcomed over 30 SEND pupils, many completely new to tennis. Led by local sports leaders and the Hertfordshire Open Court Lead, the sessions were adapted for all abilities, with some pupils learning to hold a racket for the first time.

The joy was infectious. One pupil, previously non-verbal, was thrilled to earn stickers and shouted:

“Do you know what the best thing about being in a team is? Everything!” Before running back onto court yelling, “More tennis!”

Following the festival, regular sessions have continued at the school, building connections with local tennis centres and encouraging long-term participation.

Chadsgrove’s Open Court Success

A festival in Hereford & Worcestershire brought together 53 pupils from five schools, including those with ASD*, PMLD*, visual impairments, and wheelchair users. Rotating activity stations, supported by 15 young leaders from a local high school, ensured every student could engage fully.

Held at a local leisure centre, the event was praised for its lively and inclusive atmosphere. Following the teacher’s thoughtful adaptations, it meant that Chadsgrove (a special school in Worcestershire) pupils, who had complex needs were fully supported, while one school brought specialist equipment to ensure full participation.

Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) coach Neil shared:

“The atmosphere was filled with positivity, laughter, and a genuine sense of community... It was not just about tennis. It was about building confidence, enjoyment, and simply having fun.”

Many schools later accessed CPD training offered by the LTA, helping embed inclusive tennis into their ongoing PE delivery.

Tennis truly is a sport for all. Thanks to the Lawn Tennis Association for leading this inclusive initiative, creating greater opportunities for SEND pupils to enjoy sport in a fun, accessible environment.

Find out more about the Open Court programme here or contact the Youth Sport Trust Inclusion Team for local opportunities: [email protected].