19 December 2021 | Tennis Victoria

The Sport4All program aims to create more inclusive sports clubs and venues for people with a disability by creating community relationships, understanding common inclusion challenges and developing new training.  

The program is open nationwide, with five Victorian local government areas jumping at the opportunity to be part of the initiative.

The pilot clubs are encouraged to follow a three-step process, which begins with an inclusion scoreboard questionnaire and an online learning course. Once these are complete, the next step is to put these new learnings into action. 

The team at Coburg Tennis Club have taken the program on board with infectious enthusiasm, and after having followed the three-step process, they decided to put their learning into practice with an open day held on International Day of People with Disability. 

Supported by Penny Bunn from Sport4All, who leads the pilot program at Moreland City Council, the club liased with their Club Development Officer Luca Gallo and Tennis Victoria Inclusion Coordinator Emily Fox to host an incredible day of inclusive, community tennis. 

“As a club we wanted to run the Open Day to celebrate International Day for People with Disability as part of our journey to becoming a safe, welcoming, and inclusive club.” Explains Coburg’s President, Ray Reymers. 

“We received a message from Heath Davidson, had people sharing personal stories, there were tears, and even a visit by Ascot a trainee guide dog.” 

Wheelchairs, blind tennis balls and blindfolds were provided for players to experience different formats of the game they love. 

“It was awesome to see kids and adults experiencing Wheelchair and Blind Tennis together and our members with disability having a fun time together.”  

From messages from a Paralympian to sitting around the barbecue after a hit, it’s safe to say that Coburg’s inclusive open day was an incredible success! 

“We couldn’t have wished for a better outcome and appreciate everyone for supporting our club initiative and we are looking forward to running more events like this in the future.”  

Want to make your club a more inclusive place to play? Get started on your journey to inclusion here!