Boston Tennis Club recently won the Inclusion & Diversity Award at the Lincolnshire Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2025. The club was recognised for their commitment to opening up opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and background - particularly those with disabilities and additional needs.

Through targeted programmes, strong community partnerships, and a focus on breaking down barriers, the club is demonstrating what it means to make tennis accessible to all.

Hear from Boston Tennis Club Coach Will Mason, and participant Toby in this video filmed for the award ceremony.

Inclusive Tennis Programmes That Are Changing Lives

The club's motto for years has been tennis for all. We try and offer as much as possible for for everyone, really.

Although Boston Tennis club has a longstanding commitment to opening up accessible tennis opportunities, over the past year they have made significant efforts to develop new programmes and partnerships, allowing them to reach even more members of their community with disabilities and additional needs.

In May 2025, the club hosted its most successful Disability Tennis Festival to date. More than 60 children from local Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools were welcomed for a free tennis taster session.
The festival introduced many participants to tennis for the first time, offering a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment that encouraged confidence and skill-building. The club worked with children's charity Variety, and We Do Tennis to help ensure the festival was a success,

The club has established strong, ongoing partnerships with two local SEN schools.
As a result:

• Over 50 children are now taking part in weekly, coach-led tennis sessions.
• 28 pupils attend a free, hour-long indoor coaching session at the club each week.

These initiatives remove financial and logistical barriers, ensuring that young people who might otherwise miss out can benefit from regular sport and physical activity.

Weekly visually impaired sessions continue to thrive. A major milestone was reached with the introduction of the first-ever Visually Impaired Tennis Club Championships. This event celebrated not only competition, but also community spirit and ability, highlighting the club’s dedication to providing meaningful sporting opportunities for all.

Boston Tennis Club also runs monthly sessions for Deaf children and adults. Delivered by two qualified coaches, these sessions are carefully tailored to the communication and learning needs of the Deaf community, ensuring accessibility and enjoyment for all involved.

Mental Health and Wellbeing Tennis Sessions

With growing awareness of the link between physical activity and mental health, the club launched a weekly wellbeing session aimed at gentle exercise and social connection. Participants benefit from a welcoming, supportive space that promotes both physical and emotional wellbeing.

Care Home Outreach Supporting Older Adults

Outreach now extends to local care homes, where tennis-based activity sessions are provided for elderly residents. These sessions focus on gentle movement, fun, and social engagement — all vital components of maintaining physical health and emotional wellbeing later in life.

Breaking Down Barriers and Redefining Access to Tennis

Perhaps the club’s greatest achievement lies in shifting perceptions of tennis itself. What can sometimes be seen as an elitist or inaccessible sport, tennis is being reintroduced to the community as a welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable activity for people of all ages and abilities.

By delivering tennis directly in community spaces, and by offering inclusive sessions at the club, Boston Tennis Club is helping to ensure that everyone can experience the physical, social, and emotional benefits of being active. With strong momentum and a clear commitment to inclusion, the club continues to allow children and adults with disabilities to thrive, both on and off court.