Year: 2014
Passion
Tennis has long been part of the culture of the North East sporting community, bringing together players, supporters and clubs from across the region. For visually impaired players, however, access to the sport often depends on specialist equipment, adapted rules and welcoming environments that make participation possible.
At the heart of these opportunities in Newcastle is The Northumberland Club in Jesmond, one of the region’s premier tennis, squash and badminton venues and a long-standing partner of the Adderstone Foundation.
Action
In 2014, the Foundation sponsored the 119th Northumberland Open Tennis Tournament, a historic event that brought together more than 420 competitors, guests, sponsors and tournament staff for a celebration of tennis in the North East.
Through the event, the Foundation raised £4,100 in support of the North East Visually Impaired Tennis Club (NEVITC), helping ensure that visually impaired tennis sessions could continue to run regularly at The Northumberland Club for both children and adults.
Impact
Visually impaired tennis uses adapted equipment including audible balls, additional bounces and modified court sizes, allowing players to track the ball through sound and movement.
The funding raised helped support the specialist equipment and coaching required to keep these sessions accessible and high-quality. Players are able to train locally while also travelling across the UK to compete in tournaments.
Beyond the sport itself, these sessions help participants build coordination, fitness, confidence and social connections, demonstrating how inclusive sport can open doors that might otherwise remain closed.
