A scheme run by Liverpool Tennis Centre has been voted disability programme of the year.
The centre, based in Wavertree, was honoured at the Lancashire Tennis Awards for its extensive work in disabled sport.
The centre hosts multiple weekly sessions for disabled people, including wheelchair tennis and visually-impaired tennis, as well as Down Syndrome Association mini tennis sessions.
Dave Hillier, tennis manager at the centre, told JMU Journalism: “In a short period of time, we have been able to provide a lot of opportunities for disabled people to play tennis.
“What we really want is for anyone coming through the door to know that there is a session for them, regardless of age, ability, disability, and level. We want to have as broad and inclusive a programme as possible.”
The centre has won multiple Lancashire Tennis Awards for its success in recent years. Last year it was voted best community venue and this year head coach Andy McGarry was voted coach of the year.
Over the last two years, the tennis centre has grown significantly. The number of people visiting the centre every week has grown from approximately 70 people to around 500.
Mr Hillier added: “The increase in participation has been a real team effort but we would like to make a special reference to the Tennis Foundation; they are the charity that have provided us with the support and funding to run these sessions.
“Importantly, everyone from the coaches, the on- and off-court staff at the tennis centre and the different partners and charities that support us have all helped promote what we are doing and are helping us get as many people involved as possible.”
Youtube: Liverpool Tennis Centre
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_ip9zyz8R4