Market Harborough Lawn Tennis Club (MHLTC)

Volunteers in Action: A Weekly Coaching Model That Lasts

Type of programme

Market Harborough Lawn Tennis Club has been running inclusive tennis coaching for adults with disabilities for over seven years. The programme began through support from Bright Ideas for Tennis and has since grown into a thriving weekly session supported by a large pool of dedicated volunteers. Working closely with a local organisation called Freedom Support, the club provides structured, enjoyable and social tennis sessions for adults who live in the community with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities.

Example activities

Sessions take place every Wednesday lunchtime and regularly attract more than 18 participants over the summer, using three courts at the club. Each session is led by the club coach, supported by around five volunteers, with activities tailored to suit varying abilities. During winter months, the programme moves indoors to a local leisure facility to ensure consistency year-round.

Activities are kept simple, structured and familiar — a key factor for success. Each week, participants are split into three groups that rotate around the courts, finishing with The Big Game, a fun rally where everyone gets the chance to hit balls over the net and take part together. A blow-up trophy is awarded weekly, with a photo of the winner taken after each session — a much-loved tradition among participants.

At Christmas, volunteers visit the Freedom Support base to share cards and small gifts, reinforcing the sense of community beyond the court. The programme is as much about social connection and belonging as it is about physical activity.

What works

The partnership with Freedom Support has been crucial, providing reliable participant transport, staff assistance and indoor booking arrangements. This external support ensures that sessions run smoothly and that participants feel safe and familiar with their surroundings.

Volunteer organisation has also been a major success factor. Around 15 volunteers are coordinated through a WhatsApp group, allowing them to opt in weekly based on availability. This flexibility keeps morale high and ensures a steady supply of helpers.

The club’s creative approach to funding has kept the sessions sustainable without charging participants. Support comes from Easy Fundraising initiatives, local lottery ticket sales and an annual grant from Tennis Leicestershire. The combination of strong volunteer culture, reliable partnerships and simple, enjoyable structure makes the programme a model of consistency and community spirit.

What we have learnt

Earlier attempts to work directly with a special school faced challenges when key staff members moved on, leading to inconsistent attendance and logistical issues such as minibus shortages. While those sessions eventually ended, the experience reinforced the importance of dependable partners and clear lines of responsibility.

Ongoing challenges include securing long-term funding, maintaining volunteer engagement, and managing occasional weather disruptions when sessions take place outdoors. However, the club’s adaptability and positive “can-do” mindset have allowed it to overcome these barriers and continue growing its inclusive offer.

Contact Details

Lesley Paris

lesley.paris@ntlworld.com

07736678575