First inclusive tennis taster session
Following the success of our first inclusive tennis taster session at our day centre for young clients with complex needs, we are pleased to announce that we are now planning to hold more in the future.
We recently welcomed Ben Howarth, founder of Ability Tennis in Sheffield, to deliver a session as part of our summer activity programme. This gave our clients the chance to try adapted tennis in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Feedback from the day was extremely positive and we will be funding further sessions so more clients can take part.
Making tennis accessible for people with physical, learning and sensory disabilities
Ability Tennis was founded by Ben to make tennis accessible for people with physical, learning and sensory disabilities. What began with a small group of children in Sheffield has grown into an award-winning programme. Now it delivers inclusive sessions across clubs, community settings, schools and specialist groups.
Ben’s own connection with tennis began early. His father was a tennis professional and Ben remembers being given a shortened wooden racket as a child. Years later, his path into inclusive tennis began when a neighbour asked whether he offered disability tennis sessions for a child with Down syndrome.
From those first sessions, Ben developed the programme through training, local partnerships and support from the Lawn Tennis Association’s Open Court initiative. Later, a move to indoor facilities at Hallamshire Tennis Club allowed the sessions to run all year round. The programme continued to expand from there.
Adapting support around each person
Ben’s approach is centred on adapting the sport around each individual. Sessions can include different racket sizes, slower balls, smaller court areas and a wide range of inclusive equipment. As a result, this helps participants build confidence while enjoying an activity that is shaped around what they can do.
“The whole idea of Ability Tennis is to focus on what people can do. We adapt the session around each person so they can enjoy taking part, build confidence and have fun,” said Ben.
Helping clients access meaningful experiences in the community
Ben and his team already work with a wide range of people, including adults and young people with learning disabilities, sensory needs and complex needs. The team also runs weekly sessions in Rotherham with Sense. This is the charity supporting people with complex disabilities.
For the Caremark session, this experience helped create an activity that was calm, flexible and person-centred. Instead of expecting participants to fit a standard format, the tennis was adapted to suit each person’s communication, movement, confidence and energy levels.
Ben said the relaxed format worked well because it gave parents and Support Workers time to arrive, settle in, talk to others and enjoy the session. Importantly, they did not feel pressured by a strict timetable.
“It worked really well as a relaxed session. People could arrive, settle in, talk to others and join in at their own pace, which is so important for families and staff,” Ben said.
He also highlighted the importance of keeping accessible activities available during school holidays. During these times, many regular routines and weekly sessions can stop for children and young people with complex needs.
Activities such as the Ability Tennis session form part of Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield’s wider commitment. They help clients access meaningful experiences in the community.
About Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield
If you have a child with complex and/or clinical needs who would benefit from our support, or you advocate for someone, please view our complex and clinical care services in Rotherham and Sheffield or call us today on 01709 789340.