Pupils from Falconer Special School in Hertfordshire enjoyed a day at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) after their school won the British Tennis Schools Award in 2011.
The all-boys school won the award after showing what a positive difference tennis has made to their pupils, many of whom have severe emotional, behavioural and social difficulties.
Falconer started their tennis programme by linking with a local tennis club and have since reclaimed some disused tennis courts on their school site and are an LTA registered place to play themselves.
A group of 12 pupils attended, selected over recent weeks from all year groups for their for the commitment, attitude and ability shown during their tennis lessons. The boys received a tour of the NTC as well as an on-court session with an LTA Licensed Coach to showcase their tennis skills.
They also received a visit from Adam Field, the world No. 22 wheelchair tennis quad player, who is a part of the Tennis Foundation's Wheelchair Tennis Performance Programme.
Adam joined in on court with the boys and also took part in a question and answer session before they departed for the day.
Cefyn Jones, Head of PE at Falconer Special School, said: "We have had an amazing day at the National Tennis Centre as a result of Falconer School being the British Tennis Schools Award Winners for 2011. This visit is a culmination of the award and it's been just brilliant for the boys, many of whom wouldn't have imagined picking up a racket before but now thoroughly enjoy their tennis."
Paul Williams, Schools Tennis Manager at the Tennis Foundation, said: "The pupils had a fantastic day and really enjoyed the experience. It was great to be able to reward and recognise the positive work that's been going on at Falconer School, Hertfordshire, to encourage more pupils both to play and enjoy tennis, as well as to maximise their personal potential through the sport."
The Tennis Foundation offers a free Special Schools Tennis Resource and Equipment Pack, which includes modified and adapted equipment, and also runs an inclusive tennis teacher training course.
Find out more information about the support available for Special Schools and those teaching disabled young people in mainstream education here.
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