The John James Disability Inclusion Award, presented by the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust and Middlesex Tennis, honours outstanding programmes that pioneer inclusive tennis and padel opportunities.
Named in memory of John James OBE, former Middlesex Tennis President and a passionate advocate for disability tennis, this award provides grants of up to £1,500 to support and expand inclusive initiatives that help break down barriers and open up the sport.
Here we hear how one of the winners, GetSet4Tennis expanded their work with Shaftesbury High School in 2025.
GetSet4Tennis
Since 2018, GetSet4Tennis has been delivering accessible, high-quality tennis sessions for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) across Harrow and surrounding areas.
In 2025, they received a £1,500 John James Award grant, which enabled them to expand their work at Shaftesbury High School, a SEND secondary school.
Sessions
The funding supported structured tennis sessions three times a week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday) across all three terms—36 weeks in total. It helped cover coaching costs, with the school contributing the remaining balance to ensure the programme could continue. The impact has been significant.
Sessions are delivered in small, mixed-ability groups of around eight students, tailored to meet individual needs. The programme not only introduces tennis, but also creates pathways into the Tennis Leaders Programme, giving students the chance to develop leadership, coaching and volunteering skills.
Participants
The children who take part have a wide range of needs, from mild to severe learning disabilities, including wheelchair users and students with visual impairments. Many come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have no local access to competitive sport.
Feedback
Feedback from students, parents and staff highlights:
- Improved motor skills and coordination
- Greater focus and confidence
- Better well-being and social interaction
Staff at Shaftesbury shared that “the progress the students have made has been massive, especially in their technique and confidence,” while students themselves say they have “improved so much this year and feel more confident on the court.”
With increasing pressure on Local Authority budgets, funding for sport provision for children with SEND is extremely limited. This project helped bridge that gap—ensuring children who would otherwise be excluded can access sport, build confidence, and feel a sense of belonging.
If your project is creating meaningful change in your community, the John James Award could help you do even more.
Apply today—and help transform lives through sport.
