Middlesex Tennis hosted its first ever Disability Tennis Festival at Vicars Moor Tennis Club during the 2018 County Closed Championships. Led by the County’s Disability Tennis Coordinator Mark Bullock working alongside coach Nick Jacobsen and the Tennis Foundation’s Conor McBrearty the day attracted players with a learning disability, a visually impaired player and a wheelchair tennis player.
Nick who coached on the session said, ‘Being a coach with mild cerebral palsy and having the opportunity to teach disability tennis is something that I'm truly grateful for! Coaching at The Middlesex County Closed Festival was no exception. To see the players and the incredible team organising the event walk away with a big smile on their faces is something unforgettable and I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life.’
Odette, a visually impaired tennis player added ‘I really enjoyed playing tennis at the Festival, the special adapted balls meant that despite my lack of central vision I could still locate the ball and have a good game!’
If you would like to know more about disability tennis in the county or would like to develop an inclusive/disability offer please contact Mark on mark.bullock@middlesextennis.org.uk