Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) Athlete Leadership Development Officer and National Sports Advisor for Tennis, Matthew Chilvers, has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to disability tennis with a Highly Commended Excellence Award from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

Matthew, a Level 2 tennis coach and member of the LTA Disability Advisory Group, received the honour at the Lexus Nottingham Open, which is currently taking place at the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre. He was subsequently invited to make the coin toss on-court for British number one Katie Boulter’s victory over Lulu Sun.

With 12 years of coaching experience, Matthew has pioneered relaxed and autism-friendly tennis sessions, which he delivers weekly at Desford Lawn Tennis Club He also leads monthly pan-disability sessions at the same venue and regularly coaches junior players in Market Harborough.

Since qualifying as a coach, Matthew has dedicated himself to creating inclusive opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy tennis. His efforts include sessions for individuals affected by cancer, programmes for over-50s, and tennis activities in day care settings.

“I love coaching, and during the Covid pandemic I decided I wanted to give back to the sport by delivering sessions that could support individuals, like me, with an intellectual (learning) disability,” said Matthew.

Using my experience as someone on the autistic spectrum, I wanted to create fun sessions in a supportive environment where people with autism can thrive and learn at their own pace. We limit the sessions to eight participants to ensure everyone receives the support they need and doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
By Matthew Chilvers

“I’m thrilled with how popular the sessions have become — they’re fully subscribed, with participants travelling up to 30 miles to attend.”

Beyond coaching, Matthew also handles all session bookings and has successfully secured grant funding from the local borough council and the Active Partnership to support his work.

A lifelong tennis enthusiast, Matthew began playing at the age of eight and represented the East Midlands at two Special Olympics GB National Summer Games. He continues to compete in LTA Learning Disability tournaments and plays for Desford Tennis Club’s men’s second team.

Matt Elkington, LTA EDI Programme Manager – Disabled People, said: “As someone who competes, volunteers and coaches, Matthew’s passion, insight and lived experience make him a very valuable contributor to the development of tennis opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

“I hugely value Matthews’s input to our LTA Disability Advisory Group and I am delighted to see him recognised with this award for his commitment, hard work and for being such a brilliant ambassador to the sport.”