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IMPACT

500+

ATHLETES

5098

VOLUNTEER HOURS

32

PROGRAMS ACROSS NC

298

EVENTS

WELCOME TO ABILITIES TENNIS!

Bringing health, friendship, and community to individuals with intellectual disabilities through the sport of tennis.

Serving adults and children ages 8 and up

A LIFETIME SPORT FOR EVERYONE

Watch the video to hear from our parents, coaches, and athletes about why they love tennis and the Abilities Tennis program.

NC STATE PLAYER ADRIANA TALKS ABOUT WINTER CHILL

WHY TENNIS?

Tennis can be modified in many ways to help athletes with intellectual disabilities stay active, get fit, and experience success.

Players get the exercise they need while meeting new friends and developing and reaching their own goals.
Some players start by first observing or by simply walking or running on the court.
Every athlete’s progression is unique. One-on-one attention helps athletes achieve success.
You’ll find players here at all levels: from first-time-on-the-court beginner to highly competitive, playing in USTA leagues or on their school teams.

A COURT FOR EVERY PLAYER

Players train and compete on a court matching their skill level - from beginner to highly competitive. Each court has at least one coach and 1:1 ratio of volunteers to athletes.

Section 1

SKILLS COURT

Athletes perform a variety of tennis-based skills with foam or red dot balls. Coaches will also feed the ball to the athlete on a QuickStart or shortened tennis court. At tournaments, points are given for successful skill completion.

SHORT COURT

Provides a transition for athletes who have been successful on Skills Court and want to start playing points. Downsized court boundaries allow athletes to be more successful as they work on developing their foot work and learning tennis strategy. Doubles and Unified Doubles play.

FULL COURT

Singles, Doubles, and Unified Doubles utilizing the full tennis court and regular tennis balls. Modifications are made to control the length of matches through no-ad scoring and options for short sets.

FIND A PROGRAM NEAR YOU

Click on a county or city to see tennis opportunities and registration information. Come play, coach, or volunteer!

Click on a city or county tab to see programs available in that area and registration information.

Apex Clinics

Apex Clinics are a joint partnership between Apex Parks and Recreation, Western Wake Tennis Association, and ATANC.

Participants will have the chance to learn the fundamentals of the game such as backhand, forehand, and groundstrokes. Racquets are provided but are limited so it is helpful if you can provide your own.

Parents and/or caregivers are asked to stay during the clinic.

Coach Nancy King

2022 Fall Schedule

September 11, 18, 25; October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30

Sundays, 3:00 – 4:00 pm, ages 8 – 15

Sundays, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, ages 16 and up

Location

Apex Community Park
2200 Laura Duncan Rd, Apex, NC 27511

Registration

Clinic registration is through the Town of Apex Parks and Recreation Dept.

Fall registration link coming soon!

Contact Allie Prelaske at 919-249-3507 for information.

Volunteer Opportunities

We would love to have you help out at the clinics! Training is required. Please visit the Western Wake Tennis Association website for more information.

Asheville Clinics

Abilities Tennis of North Carolina in partnership with Asheville Parks and Recreation is pleased to present free Abilities Tennis clinics for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Ages 8 and up. All levels of tennis experience welcome!

2022 Schedule

Clinics: (Mondays) May 2, 9, 16, 23, 6:00-7:00 PM
Register at avlrec.com under the Therapeutic Recreation link.

Volunteer Training: Thursday, April 21, 4:00-6:00 PM. Register at https://abilitiestennisashevillevolunteertraining.eventbrite.com

Location

Oakley Tennis Courts, 715 Fairview Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Questions? Email Head Coach Wayne Forester at paulwayneforester@yahoo.com or Lou Welch at Lou@atanc.org.

Belmont Clinics

Abilities Tennis of North Carolina in partnership with Belmont Parks and Recreation are pleased to present free tennis clinics for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Ages 8 and up. All levels of tennis experience welcome!

2022 Schedule

Sundays – February 13, 20, 27; March 6, 13, 20, 27; and April 3
4:00-5:00 PM

Location

Davis Park Tennis Courts, 204 Park Dr, Belmont, NC 28012

Registration Information

For more information and to register: https://parksrec.egov.basgov.com/belmont

Brunswick Southport Clinics

Two Programs: One for teens and one for adults

Middle and High School Student Clinics

Provided through the county’s Exceptional Children classes.  Home schooled teens are also welcome to attend.

Location

Smithville Township District Park
8340 SE River Road
Southport, NC.

Middle school honors students from our PEGASUS program will be there to help our adult volunteers.

For more information contact Karen Holbrook.

Cary Clinics

Abilities Tennis clinics in Cary are now year-round! Abilities Tennis is proud to partner with Cary Parks and Recreation and Western Wake Tennis Association to host Abilities Tennis clinics for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The clinics are free of charge and open to all players 8 and up.

2022 Current Schedule

Spring Dates: March 5, March 19, April 2, April 30, May 7, and May 21.

Summer Dates: June 4, June 25, July 9, July 23, August 13, and August 20.

All clinics are 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm.

Registration

Click “Specialized Recreation” at this link for more information and to register!

For more information, contact Laura Morton: Laura.Morton@townofcary.org; phone:  (919) 462-3961; www.townofcary.org/gold.

Location

All clinics held at Cary Tennis Park, 2727 Louis Stephens Dr., Cary, NC 27519

Volunteer Opportunities

We would love to have you help out at the clinics!  Please visit the Western Wake Tennis Association website for more information.

Chapel Hill Clinics

Come join us for clinics designed for athletes with intellectual disabilities ages 8 and up. These clinics are run by specially trained coaches and volunteers.

2022 Schedule

Saturdays: May 14, June 11, and July 16
Time: 3:30-5:30 pm

Location

The Chapel Hill Tennis Club
403 Westbrook Dr
Carrboro, NC 27510

Registration

Those interested please email Rich Green to make sure we have enough courts to accommodate players planning to come.

Abilities Tennis of NC is excited to announce new clinics starting this fall in Charlotte! This program is free to Abilities Tennis athletes ages 8 and up and is funded through grants through USTA and donations from individuals, companies and organizations.

2022 Spring Schedule

Sundays from 5:00 – 6:30 pm

March 13, 20, 27; April 3; May 1, and 8

Location

Blakeney Tennis Club, 10607 Rea Rd., Charlotte, NC 28277

Registration

Please register for the clinics here!

If you have questions, contact Eden Serekeberhan at edserke9@gmail.com or Lou Welch at Lou@atanc.org.

Volunteers: You may register to volunteer for one or more of the clinics.  Each clinic is listed individually.  There are 10 spots available. Please cancel your reservation should your plans change. Remember to bring your racquet, a water bottle and towel. Volunteer registration coming soon!

Clayton Clinics

Abilities Tennis clinics for ages 8+ are being offered in partnership with Clayton Parks & Recreation. Participants will learn the fundamentals, play games, and have fun! Parents and/or caregivers are asked to stay during the clinic. Buddy volunteers are provided by local high school athletes and the Clayton Youth Council.

Coach Dawn Kitner will be the head coach. She brings a wealth of tennis knowledge and a ton of fun to the court.

Schedule 2022

Sundays
March 6,13, 20, 27, April 3, 10
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Location

Clayton Community Park Tennis Courts
1075 Amelia Church Road
Clayton, NC

Registration Information

For more information and to register, click here!

Please note: Participants must bring a labeled water bottle. We encourage everyone to wear sunscreen and dress in appropriate athletic attire, including footwear.

Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes early for lessons. For the safety of all participants, we encourage all parents/guardians/caretakers to observe the lessons from their vehicles or lawn chairs outside the fence.

For more COVID-19 safety guidelines from USTA Tennis, please visit: https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/national/usta-statement-on-safety-of-playing-tennis-during-the-covid-19-v.html

In the event of inclement weather, the Recreation Program Coordinator will inform the class about make-up sessions.

By crossing the ‘red line’ and entering the Clayton Community Park Tennis Courts, you are affirming:
– I do not have COVID-19.
– I have not knowingly been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 in the past 7 days.
– I do not have any symptoms of COVID-19 including a temperature/fever or chills.
– I will wear a mask the entire duration of class.

Concord Clinics

Spring 2022

Saturdays, year round, 12 noon – 1 pm

Register here: https://abilitiestennisconcordamptennis.eventbrite.com

Location

Les Myers Park
338 Lawndale Avenue
Concord, NC 28025

Head Coach Chad Oxendine
Email chad@amptennis.com to register or volunteer.

Duke-Eno Abilities Tennis Clinics

2022 Schedule

1/22                2:30 – 4:00 pm

1/29                10 – 11:30 am

2/5                  10 – 11:30 am

2/12                 10 – 11:30 am

2/19                 10 – 11:30 am

Register at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0c4da9a62ba1fbc52-spring

Location

1102 Morreene Rd in Durham

Goldsboro Clinics

Abilities Tennis is proud to partner with Goldsboro Parks and Recreation to bring free Abilities Tennis clinics to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Clinics for all level players ages 5 & up. Racquets, tennis balls, and instruction provided. Come to one or all sessions! All participants must register.

2022 Fall Schedule Coming Soon! 

Location

Herman Park
900 Park Ave.
Goldsboro, NC 27533

Email skelly@goldsboronc.gov with any questions.

Greensboro Tournament

Sherwood Abilities Tennis Tournament – May 21, 2022

Greensboro Clinics

2022 Schedule

Sundays, 4:30 – 5:30 pm
April 3, 10, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; June 5 & 12

Location

Sherwood Swim & Racquet Club, 100 Alma Pinnix Dr.

 

Registration

Athlete Registration: Click HERE.
 
Volunteer Registration: Click HERE.
 

Please email Jinni Hoggard to for more information or to register.

Greenville Play Day

with the ECU Women’s Tennis team!

2022 Fall Schedule Coming Soon!

Location

River Birch Tennis Center
516 W. Arlington Blvd
Greenville, NC

Hendersonville Clincs

Abilities Tennis is proud to partner with Hendersonville Tennis Association, Hendersonville Country Club, and Hendersonville County Parks & Recreation to bring free Abilities Tennis clinics to individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Ages 8 years and older and all levels of tennis experience are welcome.

Registration

Pre-Registration required for clinics. Please click here to register.

Location

Hendersonville Country Club with Coach Pam Cloer

1860 Hebron Rd
Hendersonville, NC 28739

Schedule for Spring 2022

Fridays, April 1, 8, 22, 29
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Call Hendersonville Parks and Recreation for more information: 828-697-4884. You can visit the office located at:
708 Glover St, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Abilities Tennis in partnership with the Greater Hickory Tennis Association and Hickory Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism bring you free tennis clinics for athletes with intellectual disabilities ages 8 and up.

Join us for special kick-off event on Saturday, May 21, from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at Hickory City Park!

Clinics
Saturdays, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
May 28; June 11, 18, & 25

Location
Hickory City Park Tennis Courts
1581 12th St Dr NW, Hickory, NC 28601

To register, click on the “Tennis” tab at THIS LINK.

High Point Clinics

Abilities Tennis of North Carolina and Guilford Regional Tennis Association in partnership with High Point Parks and Recreation are pleased to present free tennis clinics for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Ages 8 and up. All levels of tennis experience welcome!

2022 Schedule

Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26 and April 2, 9, 23, 30
2:00pm – 3:00pm

Location

Oak Hollow Tennis Center, 3401 N. Centennial St., High Point, NC

Registration

For more information and to register, call Leanne Lyons at 336-883-3481 or email leanne.lyons@highpointnc.gov.

Lake Junaluska Tournament

Mountaineer Tournament – June 25, 2022

Outerbanks Dare County Clinics

We’re excited to bring Abilities Tennis to this new location!

Abilities Tennis is proud to partner with OBXTA and Dare County Special Olympics to host Abilities Tennis clinics for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The clinics are free of charge and open to all athletes ages 8 years and up.

2022 Schedule Coming Soon!

Location

Kill Devil Hills Parks and Recreation Tennis Courts
602 Mustian St. Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

 

 

Abilities Tennis is proud to partner with Pinehurst Parks and Recreation Department to provide free tennis clinics to athletes with intellectual disabilities ages 8 and up.

We welcome all levels of play whether you are just learning the basics or are a seasoned athlete with Special Olympics.

Parents/Caregivers are asked to stay for participants under 18.

2022 Schedule

April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5 & 12 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm

Thursdays
5:30 – 7:00 pm

Registration

Please register each participant here under Special Needs Programs.

Location

Tennis Courts 1 & 2, Rassie Wicker Park
10 Rassie Wicker Dr
Pinehurst, NC 28374

Please email Nicole Benbow for more information or call 919-856-6710.

Raleigh Tournaments 

Click on a tournament for more details.

Winter Chill – Annually on the first Saturday of December

Unified Doubles National Qualifier – Annually in September

Raleigh Clinics

Abilities Tennis of North Carolina and Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources are pleased to present Abilities Tennis clinics for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Ages 8 and up. All levels of tennis experience welcome!

2022 Schedule

Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 23
3:30 – 5:00 pm
Head Coach John Richardson

Saturdays, March 5, 12, 19, 26, April 2, 9, 23
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Head Coach Nancy King

Location

Millbrook Exchange Tennis Center (Courts 1-4)
1905 Spring Forest Rd
Raleigh, NC 27615

Registration

Click this link to register for the clinics. Need help or more information? Call 919-996-2147. If no one answers, please leave a voicemail.

Volunteer

We would love to have you volunteer at the clinics! Help is needed every week. We sign Community Service Hours forms. Questions? Please email Lou Welch.

Rocky Mount Clinics

Abilities Tennis of North Carolina and NC Wesleyan College Tennis Teams in partnership with Rocky Mount Parks and Recreation are pleased to present free tennis clinics for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Ages 8 and up. All levels of tennis experience welcome!

2022 Schedule

Sundays, March 13, 20, 27, and April 3, 10, and 24
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Location

NC Wesleyan College Bishops Tennis Facility, 28 Tyler Drive, Rocky Mount, NC

Registration

For more information and to register, visit http://apm.activecommunities.com/cityofrockymount/Activity_Search/8110.

Salem College Clinics

Abilities Tennis is proud to partner with Coach Ed Steel and the Salem College Tennis Team along with Coach Charles Hunsucker to host Abilities Tennis Clinics  for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Clinics are free of charge and open to all players ages 8 and up.

2022 Fall Schedule Coming Soon!

Location

Salem College Tennis Courts

Wake Forest Clinics

2022 Fall Schedule

Saturdays 4:00 – 5:00 pm
September 10, 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Coach Maggie Payne

Location

Heritage High Park
1140 Forestville Road
Wake Forest, NC 27587

Registration

Click this link to register for the clinics (see “Specialized Recreation”)!

For registration instructions and details on how to create a profile: Click here.

Contact Kelly Schurtz at 919-435-9559 with any questions.

Volunteers

Our volunteers are the backbone of these programs. Please sign up to help!

 

 

 

Wilmington Tournament – Swing Into Spring on March 19, 2022

Wilmington Abilities Tennis Clinics

Join the fun and learn to play tennis. All levels from beginner to advanced. Practice includes drills, lessons, and match play.

Clinics are given by specially trained coaches and are open for all persons ages 8 and up with intellectual disabilities.

2022 Clinics Schedule

Thursdays, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm
January 27 – June 16

Location

Althea Gibson Tennis Comples (Empie Park)

Registration (Athletes must register to participate.)

Email Coach Billie Fitzsimons to register: adaptivetennisWilm@gmail.com

A Medical Waiver is required and will be emailed to you to fill out in advance.(We’ll have them available just in case.)

Questions? Contact Coach Billie Fitzsimons at 910-200-4101.

Volunteer

We would love to have you volunteer at the clinics! Help is needed every week. We sign Community Service Hours forms. Email Coach Billie Fitzsimons to sign up: adaptivetennisWilm@gmail.com.

Questions? Please email Lou Welch.

Winston-Salem Tournament

Winston-Salem Abilities Open – Annual Singles Tournament in April

Summer Clinics in Winston-Salem!
Thanks to a partnership with the Taylor Tennis Center, Abilities Tennis clinics will be offered on indoor courts throughout the summer!

When: Saturdays, July 9 – August 13
Time: 10:30 – 11:30 am
Location: Taylor Tennis Center, 1421 Lewisville Clemmons Rd., Clemmons, NC
Instructor: Coach David Livengood

Register for the Summer Clinics HERE.

 

Don’t see anything in your area? Please contact us about starting a program or scheduling a Play Day!

ALL PROGRAMS FREE OF CHARGE

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, plus grants from the USTA, we are able to provide all tennis programs free of charge to participants.

THANK YOU SPONSORS

It has been an absolute joy...

for all our family to participate in adaptive tennis events through Abilities Tennis of North Carolina over the past nine years. We have watched this segment of the sport, which serves some very special athletes, grow to heights we didn’t dream possible.

-Charles Hunsucker, Parent & Coach

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