Portsmouth Tennis Centre is making tennis more accessible to individuals with disabilities through its work with local community groups.

The centre regularly runs free open days and low-cost group sessions throughout the year in partnership with organisations such as Headway Portsmouth & SE Hampshire, charity that supports people with an acquired brain injury, DS (Downs Syndrome) Active, and Gig Buddies to make the sport more accessible.

Adjustments to sessions include smaller courts, raised court lines, smaller rackets, foam tennis balls, and games played at a slower pace to allow participants to enjoy the sport. The centre also remains completely accessible through ramps, automatic electric doors and accessible toilet facilities.

Portsmouth Tennis Centre is operated by registered charity BH Live in partnership with Portsmouth City Council, who own the facility.

Speaking on the success of their group sessions, Jo Dallas, CEO of Headway Portsmouth & SE Hampshire shared:

“It is a long intensive road that lies ahead as a brain injured person slowly adapts to a new life and sudden change in their function. Disabled people who undertake sporting exercise have lower anger, frustration, and stress scores than people with disabilities who are inactive.

“Thanks to Portsmouth Tennis Centre, our service users have improved wellbeing, self-esteem, confidence, and communication. Carers and family members also receive respite while participants attend these sessions, offering a rare opportunity for relaxation and support.”

Macca Neaves, BH Live’s Head Coach at Portsmouth Tennis Centre said:

“Our mission at Portsmouth Tennis Centre is to show that tennis can be a social and fun exercise for everyone. Our qualified LTA tennis coaching team are absolutely fantastic and are passionate about working with players of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. It’s been a great opportunity to work with organisations such as Headway to introduce the sport to underrepresented groups throughout the city.”

Natalie Brahma-Pearl, Chief Executive at Portsmouth City Council said:

“We know that sport and leisure activities have the power to enrich lives and improve the health and wellbeing of those who participate. It is a council priority to improve the lives of our residents, and ensure they have access to the services they need.”

An open day will be held on Monday 8 July 2024 for Headway Portsmouth & SE Hampshire service users and other local disability groups to engage in Wimbledon-themed activities, including free strawberries and cream.

BH Live also runs Aces Tennis Academy at Portsmouth Tennis Centre, a programme aimed at youngsters aged 5 and upwards to provide a progressive and fun tennis pathway for children of all abilities up to the ages of 16. It runs alongside the LTA’s youth learning framework with an extra serving of fun.

Portsmouth Tennis Centre was commended as the Hampshire & Isle of Wight winner in last year’s LTA Tennis Awards ‘Tennis For All’ category for the centre’s hard work in bringing tennis to underrepresented groups throughout the city.

For further information, visit bhliveactive.org.uk or speak to a member of our team in your local centre.