LTA Tennis Foundation extends support for Access Sport

Launched in 2023, Acez builds on our collaborative partnership with the LTA and LTA Tennis Foundation and empowers local tennis clubs, parks and venues to deliver new disability-inclusive activities and ensure the accessibility and inclusivity of these clubs and venues. The programme focuses on supporting disabled young people and those with long-term health conditions, aged five to 25.  

Over the next three years, Access Sport will expand their network to include at least 50 tennis clubs and venues, each committed to delivering accessible and inclusive programmes, and will continue to upskill at least 250 tennis coaches, volunteers and Young Leaders through their Disability and Neurodiversity Training, complementing the resources and training provided to these coaches through the LTA. 

By 2027, this project will ensure 1,500 disabled young people regularly participate in tennis activities. Access Sport’s work will connect clubs with various community organisations across the physical activity, health, education and disability sectors. 

Find out more about Access Sport and Acez

Jonny Fenner, Access Sport Tennis Development Manager, said: “I am excited about our extended partnership with the LTA and the LTA Tennis Foundation. This collaboration significantly benefits the community clubs that are part of our Acez Tennis programme and provides disabled young people with greater access to tennis, fostering inclusivity and the development of skills both on and off the court.” 

Helen Rowbotham, Access Sport CEO, explained: “We are thrilled to collaborate with the LTA and LTA Tennis Foundation and support more community clubs through the delivery of Acez Tennis. These clubs aim to be more inclusive but often lack the necessary resources. That is where we come in, leveraging our cross-sport inclusion experience to help enhance their skills and capabilities. We are excited to be continuing our partnership with the LTA Tennis Foundation and look forward to supporting their mission of improving lives through tennis.” 

Dave Hardman, EDI Strategy Manager for LTA said: “I am thrilled Access Sport were successful in their application for further funding from the LTA Tennis Foundation. Their programme Acez Sports is a fantastic example of opening up tennis and supporting venues to become more inclusive and accessible for disabled people. I am looking forward to continuing our partnership with them and seeing the impact of their valuable work.”