Grant partner meets Davis Cup Team ahead of Ecuador clash
• 3 minute read
A group of young people supported by LTA Tennis Foundation grant-funded partner Bright Ideas for Tennis enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the National Tennis Centre this week, meeting members of the Lexus GB Davis Cup team as they prepared for their tie against Ecuador.
The visit brought together participants from a local Special Educational Needs (SEN) school who have been taking part in Bright Ideas for Tennis' I Play 30 programme, which creates inclusive tennis opportunities for disabled children, young people and adults. By connecting tennis venues with SEN schools and community support groups, the programme delivers free weekly sessions that help more people enjoy the physical, social and emotional benefits of tennis. The LTA Tennis Foundation grant has supported this programme to scale and is now running in 180 venues across the country.
The group were invited to watch the British team practice before stepping on court themselves for an unforgettable afternoon of tennis. The pupils attending the visit had been selected by their school as Sports Captains, recognising their commitment and enthusiasm for sport over the past year.
After watching the Davis Cup team prepare for their important tie against Ecuador, the group were treated to a special surprise over lunch when they met Wimbledon semi-finalist Arthur Fery, posing for photos and chatting about tennis. However, another big moment was still to come.
The group took to the courts for a coaching session led by tennis coach Ben Mason (Head of Tennis at Horsley Sports Club) before being joined by US Open doubles champion Neal Skupski and fellow Davis Cup squad member Toby Samuel. The two players jumped straight into a game of tennis cricket, bringing plenty of energy and laughter to the session and creating memories that will last long after the day was over.
Opening up opportunities through tennis
For Becky, a teacher at the school, the partnership with Bright Ideas for Tennis has transformed what sport can look like for their students.
"We started working with Bright Ideas for Tennis around four years ago. They connected us with Woking Tennis Club, and we began taking a small group of older students for weekly tennis sessions.
"For many of our students, it's not just about playing tennis. Simply travelling to a tennis club and being part of that environment is something they might never otherwise experience. Over time the programme has grown from a small group to now involving our whole school. We have 110 students and they all get the opportunity to play."
Becky went on to comment: "Tennis has become a regular part of what our students do. Very few would normally have the opportunity to access a club environment or play outside of school, so being able to offer it as part of their education is fantastic. Bright Ideas for Tennis have made that possible."
She then explained that the impact extends far beyond developing tennis skills. "Many of our students experience anxiety in unfamiliar environments. But because tennis has become part of their routine, they know what to expect when they arrive, and they're welcomed by coaches and volunteers they know. We've seen confidence grow enormously, and they've overcome barriers that might otherwise stop them taking part in sport."
A day to remember
Asked what the visit to the National Tennis Centre meant to the group, Becky said: "Everyone here today has been chosen because of the commitment they've shown as Sports Captains and through PE over the last few years.
"I hope they leave feeling proud of themselves. To come here and see elite players up close is such a special opportunity. I'm awe-struck myself, so I know they'll get a huge amount from the experience."
One of the students attending has been playing tennis through the programme and says the sport has had a positive impact both on and off the court, saying: "Tennis has helped me with my movement and agility, it's another sport I've learned and I've really enjoyed it."
I hope they leave feeling proud of themselves. To come here and see elite players up close is such a special opportunity. I'm awe-struck myself, so I know they'll get a huge amount from the experience.
Their favourite part of the game is serving, saying how they enjoy "throwing the ball up and smashing it down!" But for them, tennis is about more than developing new skills. They believe the lessons learned through sport can be applied throughout life. They went on to say, "Every sport teaches you skills that you can use in life. You learn to put the effort in." When asked whether others should try tennis, their response summed up the spirit of the programme perfectly: "Everyone should try tennis. They might like it!"
Danny Sapsford, founder of Bright Ideas for Tennis, said: "What a fantastic experience for everyone today. Bright Ideas for Tennis recognises the physical and social benefits that tennis gives, both on and off the court to all players, particularly those with special educational needs and disabilities.
"Seeing the enjoyment firsthand, watching the group communicating and collaborating on the court just endorses all that is so great about our sport. Thanks to the LTA Tennis Foundation for making this possible, and for their continued support."
The visit reflects LTA Tennis Foundation's commitment to supporting its partners beyond grant funding alone. By creating unique opportunities like this, the charity helps recognise the achievements of participants, inspires more people to engage with the sport and demonstrates the life-changing impact tennis can have in communities across Britain.
