SPORTA REPORT SOUNDBALL TENNIS AIDS VISUALLY IMPAIRED
ORGANISATION Aquaterra Leisure
PROJECT Soundball Tennis
T
ennis players with visual impairments are benefiting from a unique association between Metro Blind Sport, a London-
based sports and social club for blind and partially sighted people, and the Islington Tennis Centre, where sessions use specially adapted soundballs that allow players to hear the ball coming. The two-hour soundball tennis
sessions are held on Fridays for advanced players who can rally, and Sundays for beginners and people who are totally blind, where volunteers, as well as the tennis coach, are on-hand to support the players. The standard rules of tennis apply with just a few modifications: if you’re totally blind, you’re allowed three bounces; and if partially sighted you’re allowed two. The sessions are funded by Sport
Islington, which distributes Islington Council and SportsAid funding each year to support local sports clubs and help young sports people develop within their chosen sports. Islington Tennis Centre, which is managed by leisure operator and registered charity Aquaterra, first ran soundball tennis in 2011, but its
Volunteers are on-hand to support the players
I was left in no doubt that this is a game
to be enjoyed across all abilities and levels. Being visually impaired doesn’t have to be a barrier to a healthier lifestyle
popularity led to the programming of regular weekly sessions. “I’d been keen to try out adapted
tennis to fully appreciate how the game and its equipment feel. The answer
is: brilliant!” says Ian Francis, sports development officer at Metro Blind Sport. “After two hours of competitive matches, a few drills, coaching tips and plenty of friendly banter, I was left in no doubt that this is a game to be enjoyed across all abilities and levels. “Being visually impaired doesn’t have
to be a barrier to a healthier lifestyle. Regular coaching encourages players to develop their game, and the facilities allow all ages and abilities to take part.” Raising the profile of the activity is
bringing results. Islington Tennis Centre hosted a regional LTA one-day visually impaired tennis camp in September, supported by Metro Blind, and is also hosting a junior taster session for soundball tennis in November. Metro Blind Sport was recently
Players can hear the specially adapted balls coming
80 Read Health Club Management online at
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital
named Sport Islington organisation of the year at the Sport Islington and Islington School Sport Partnership awards. Sport Islington chair Michael MacNeill says: “It was heartwarming to see Metro Blind Sport win, particularly as it’s their 40th year and one year on from the success of the Paralympics.” ●
November/December 2013 © Cybertrek 2013
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