All about Deaf Tennis


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Deaf Tennis in Britain has its roots early in the 20th Century, when a number of deaf tennis clubs existed throughout the country.

The first National Championships for deaf players was held over 60 years ago and was staged by the Federation of London Deaf Clubs.

Today, The Tennis Foundation organises the National Deaf Tennis Championships in conjunction with the British Deaf Tennis Association (BDTA) and assists the BDTA with administering its membership and developing the sport.

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While many of today's deaf tennis players integrate in to hearing tennis clubs and compete successfully in hearing tournaments, an increasing number of players are also making careers as LTA licensed CCA Coaches.

Meanwhile, the structure of deaf tennis, which allows deaf players to play on a level playing field against each other, continues to evolve and includes a range of international events and an international ranking system.

 

British Deaf Tennis Association Membership

The British Deaf Tennis Association (BDTA) was set up in 1990 and has a membership consisting of players, their families, friends, coaches and other associate members.

Being a playing member of the BDTA entitles you to:

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  • regular newsletters
  • information on upcoming events, including tournament entry forms
  • entry into an annual ballot for Wimbledon tickets
  • play in the National Deaf Tennis Championships

Different categories of membership are available for Full Playing Members, Associate Members and Junior Members.

Download a Membership form

Did you know?

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Award-winning singer-songwriter KT Tunstall's brother Dan is a member of the GB National Deaf Tennis Squad, is a former two-time National Deaf Tennis singles champion and is also a LTA licensed tennis coach.

"I got my first coaching badge (PTR) aged 17. From then onwards I knew it was an area that I would dedicate my career to. After i graduated from university I spent several months training for the 2005 Deaflympics. When I came back after the Games I wasn't sure what I wanted to do and did some work at a tennis club in Reigate. I loved coaching and haven't looked back since!  Lewis and I are now joint Head Coaches at Ramsbury Tennis Club in Wiltshire. It's the best thing I ever did."

Catherine Graham and Lewis Fletcher, National Deaf Squad members and LTA Licensed CCA coaches.