RNC students ace first VI tennis sessions

A group of RNC students took to the court in January, when they joined a six-week introductory programme of tennis.


Led by coach Steve Barnett from Activate Sports Education, the sessions are designed to introduce visually impaired (VI) young people to the sport. 14 students with varying levels of ability, experience, and sight joined in this first session.

VI tennis is played on a smaller court with a lower net, and players use an audible tennis ball to help them track its movement.

Funded by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Herefordshire & Worcestershire LTA under the Open Court Initiative, the sessions aim to increase access to tennis for all.

Students fully embraced the opportunity to discover this sport, with a view to developing new skills, enhancing their fitness, and experiencing the social benefits of team sports. They’re very much looking forward to future session.