Sale Tennis Club coaches and volunteers have undertaken specialist training this week, to offer coaching programs tailored to neurodivergent players.

The club is using a grant from the Victorian Government All Abilities Sports Fund to improve accessibility and inclusivity in tennis, by launching an Introduction to Tennis for Neurodivergent Children and Young People program commencing in June 2026.

To prepare for the program, coaching staff took part in a Tennis Victoria inclusivity training course, led by inclusion specialist Jon Watson who has more than 40 years experience as a coach.

Jon has coached multiple players with a disability including two Australian women who are ranked in the Top 10 worldwide for blind/impaired vision tennis.

He provided both theoretical and practical insights in working with neurodiverse and all abilities athletes in his interactive workshop attended by the entire Sale Tennis Club coaching cohort as well as parents and club volunteers.

The Sale Tennis Club’s introductory program N.E.T. Kids - Neurodiverse Engagement through Tennis, aims to provide an opportunity for neurodiverse children to learn the basic skills of tennis in a fun, small group setting, with qualified and supportive coaches and volunteers.

Family members or support workers are invited to participate actively on the court or provide encouragement and support from the sidelines.

Sale Tennis Club President Robin Lowe said "Tennis is one of Australia’s most accessible and inclusive sports and our club is excited to be able to offer a program tailored to neurodiverse and all abilities children," Sale Tennis Club president Robin Lowe said.

"With small groups and specialist delivery, we aim to provide opportunities for physical development along with community connection, helping to build social skills and self-confidence.

 "We hope to make a genuine difference for neurodiverse and all abilities children within our community," Mr Lowe said.  

No equipment is needed, as the club will be supply racquets and any other necessary gear to particpants.

Anyone interested in enrolling in the N.E.T Kids program is encouraged to contact Sale Tennis Club Head Coach Jason Yap, on 0403 082 388 or email [email protected] for more information.