I Play 30
I Play 30 is an award winning disability programme supporting Liss Infants School and Kingfishers class Special Education Needs (SEN) unit.
Started in April 2021 the programme won the 2021 Disability Award in the Hampshire & IOW LTA Tennis Awards .
The I Play 30 tennis programme has been developed by the tennis charity Bright Ideas For Tennis (BIFT). It is currently running at a number of clubs around the UK and has been specifically designed for participants with learning, sensory and physical disabilities and for those experiencing mental ill health. This is the first expansion of the programme into Hampshire and the South West.
Support I Play 30 and become a Volunteer
I Play 30 is delivered by a qualified coach, supported by school teachers and club volunteers. It's the club volunteers the help make the sessions an award winning community project. If you have some spare time and would like to volunteer we would love your help. There's some information below about what it means to volunteer but if you have any questions please get in touch via liss.tennis@gmail.com.
When do the sessions run?
The sessions run on Mondays from 1:30 to 2:30pm. They usally run from April to October during the school term. There are usually between 15-20 sessions taking account of bank holidays and inset days before the sessions stop in october when the weather turns colder.
How many volunteers do you need?
There are usually 2-3 volunteers at each session. Last year we had a pool of 10 volunteers who gave some of their time
How much time do I need to Commit?
Volunteering doesn't need to be a big commitment. Some volunteers offer to help every week, some once a month and some have work committments and are only be able to help as a one-off.
How long are the sessions?
The courts are booked each week for a 60 minute session. Each session actually only lasts about 40-50 minutes with some time spent before and after the children arrive setting up and tidying equipment away.
Whats does a volunteer do?
The coach leads the sessions with a warm up after which the children rotate through a number of skill stations that have been set up around the court. An I Play 30 session uses a larger range of eqipment in skill stations than other coaching sessions that you may have seen. The volunteers help set up the equipment, , encourage the chldren at the skill stations and then tidy up again afterwards
What's a skill station?
A skill station is an activity designed to help develop ability, balance and coordination skills.Skill stations may be as simple as learning to throw and catch a ball or bean bag, or balance a ball or bean bag on a racket
How many children attend the session?
The SEN unit can cater for up to 12 chilren. Last year there were usually 5-7 children at any one session and there are always teachers and assistants on-hand to help.
Do you have any more information?
If you're interested in volunteering or would like more information then please speak to Andy Gray (Coaching Coordinator) or Natasha Harris (Head Coach) or email liss.tennis@gmail.com
Support the Club Schools Programme - the EHDC Community Lottery
The Club is a beneficiary of the EHDC Community Lottery. All club funds from the lottery are used to support the Club schools programe.
If you'd like to support this programe then please conisder purchasing an EHDC lottery ticket through the Club.
You can purchase tickets here: