Meet Claire Norman- Disability Tennis Manager at Riverside Tennis Club
Every month LTA: British Tennis regions run a feature on their coaches. Bedfordshire tennis has selected Claire Norman in October. Claire is the Disability Tennis Manager at Riverside Tennis Club.
Tennis is a completely inclusive sport and nearly everyone can participate in tennis in its full format or when adapted. Disabled people can take part in any tennis activity and more coaches are being supported by the Tennis Foundation to be able to work confidently with players of all abilities.
Tennis does not just offer people the chance to develop fitness and coordination, but also to build social skills, confidence, self-esteem and independence. Tennis can be adapted according to a player’s ability. Mini tennis with low compression balls and smaller courts might be more up your street, or you might prefer to try out Cardio Tennis to get your heart pumping.
Meet Claire
Thanks for your time today! To start with- how did you first get into tennis coaching? Have you always been a coach?
I first got into coaching after taking a trip to America to work at a summer camp, I always had a love for the game but coaching never really crossed my mind. I spent my first full summer in Maine coaching at a private girls camp. I was hooked and never looked back. Before that I attended University, worked as a cashier, in a call centre and finally as a project manager before focusing on Tennis.
You work at Riverside Tennis Club, what’s the best thing about your club?
Riverside is a large club but the network of members and coaches is great, players interact well and as club we are all very team oriented.
You are the Disability Tennis Manager for Riverside Tennis Club. Can you tell us a bit about what you offer and how you got into this? Do you offer beginners groups?
As part of my role I set up, deliver and promote disability tennis for Bedfordshire and surrounding counties. As a club we now offer wheelchair tennis and junior and adult learning difficulties sessions. We also deliver sessions to special schools that are interested in tennis. This allows beginners to have a go. We work with all ages and abilities.
For you, what’s the most rewarding thing about being the Disability Tennis Manager?
Most rewarding thing would have to be seeing my players improve. A lot of people think that if you have a disability you can’t hit the ball as well as a non-disabled player, but this is by far the wrong perception. Over time our players hit the ball extremely well, we are now talking about taking things one step further and entering competitions.
Who inspires you? (Doesn’t have to be tennis related!)
My players. The determination, drive and attitude of my disability players is so rewarding to be around.
You are part of a big team of coaches at Riverside. What’s your advice for others working in a big team, how do you ensure that you get the best out of everyone?
Treat others how you would like to be treated. When working in a team it’s all about helping each other; it’s the little things that count.
What’s the funniest experience you’ve ever had on court?
This actually happened last week; I was demonstrating a stroke to my group of orange players, as I was demonstrating I was walking backwards, forgetting where I had left the hopper. I tripped and tipped all the balls everywhere. The group were in hysterics for a good ten minutes.
What would your advice be to anybody that wants to start playing tennis but doesn’t know where to start?
Don’t be afraid to enter a tennis club. We are all welcoming and love new players. Google tennis clubs in the area, pick the one you are nearest to and approach them.
Who’s your favourite professional tennis player and why?
Roger Federer. It’s always been him, his attitude and charisma on court is great to watch. He is a great role model and entrepreneur. Not to mention he is easy on the eyes.
What’s the biggest challenge as a tennis coach?
Biggest challenge I have faced is establishing myself, it takes time to gain reputation. Once you have networked and delivered some great sessions then your reputation grows, stick at it and you will start seeing retention amongst your players.
What would your advice be to anybody that wants to get into coaching disability tennis?
Do it, working with players who need that extra tuition, empathy and care is a real test for any coach, but it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. The players are constantly happy and want to be there, which as a coach is a dream.
What’s your top tip for young players aspiring to be the next Andy Murray?
Hard work, dedication and take your time. Tennis is a long sport but if you have the drive and never give up you can always achieve what you set out to do.
Lastly what is the best way to contact you to find out more about the coaching you offer?
You can find out more about disability tennis by contacting me:
Email Claire
Claire's Twitter: @cnorman21
Don’t be afraid to enter a tennis club. We are all welcoming and love new players.
Watch more on tennis for disabled people
Foundation Strategy supports tennis for all
To find out more about the Tennis Foundation's vision to ensure tennis is a sport which is inclusive and accessible to every kind of community, please read Foundation's Disability Tennis Strategy
Where can you play tennis?
The Tennis Foundation is supporting tennis venues to become fully accessible so that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy playing the game. Disabled people can play against their non-disabled friends or family, and more and more clubs across the country are now running both inclusive sessions and impairment specific sessions.
To find a local tennis venue that provides tennis for disabled people near you, please download the table below or visit their website.
View sessions available at the Disability Tennis Networks
