Wheelchair Tennis with Anthony Helsop

An overview of insport Series events and participation opportunities from the coach's perspective.

Written by Gareth Mills-Bennett  •  October 2025

Anthony is a Level 3-qualified tennis coach with specialism in wheelchair and para standing tennis. As an former Welsh Wheelchair Tennis number one, and British number seven, he truly knows what it takes to succeed in tennis. Anthony was the first Welsh champion in both singles and doubled, and the 2018 LTA Player of the Year boasting significant tournament success.

Anthony has been running wheelchair and para standing tennis sessions out of Swansea Tennis Centre for several years, and more recently Llanelli Tennis and Squash Club. Anthony blends a background in physical training and physiology to help all that come through the doors exploring tennis as a sporting route.

Anthony has, for the past three years, been a well-known face at insport Series events and other participation events throughout South and West Wales. Whist success runs through what Anthony does, enjoyment and participation are at the heart of what is offered and is the focus of all engagement.

Local participation and insport Series events have provided the catalyst and opportunity for hundreds—if not thousands—of disabled people to have a tennis racket in their hand for, what is very often, the first time. Making sure that these first engagements are positive, connective and enthusing means that Anthony is able to show people that tennis is for everyone.

Anthony has said that coming to these events allows him and the team to showcase wheelchair and para standing tennis as the inclusive sport that he loves to the fullest. This does not only provide enjoyment and community for those taking part; those that take the opportunity further, after working on the essential agility, skills, coordination, strength and conditioning, all report developments in other aspects of life. This is echoed too by athlete physiotherapists and health professionals who work closely with Anthony on developing bespoke and targeted physical therapy. 

Anthony says that being able to showcase these tennis opportunities reduces the erroneous perception of disabled people not being able to take part in tennis. It gives permission to all those taking part to compete and know that they have a pathway that will take them as far as they are willing to dream. Providing this inspiration is priceless. 

Anthony also speaks about how much of a difference these events and his coaching make to him. Having sessions to look forward to, a connected and committed group of players that all share the same passion, and being able to inspire the next generation all has a huge impact on his own wellbeing. Players that take the next step, all speak of the family feel and welcome they experience within the clubs. 

These clubs have gone from strength to strength from Anthony's engagement with these participation and insport series events. From the last two events that Anthony has run tennis at, seven more players have become regular attendees at his clubs. These clubs now boast 25 members all regularly attending and progressing through their tennis careers. 

Anthony currently offers Wheelchair and Para standing sessions at Swansea Tennis centre. Beginner junior sessions are Fridays 5:00-7:00pm and beginner adults are Fridays 7:00-9:00pm. Development sessions are held on a Wednesday 7:00-9:00pm. Sessions in Swansea Tennis Centre are held both indoor and outdoor. Sessions at Llanelli Tennis and Squash club are held for both juniors and adults on a Tuesday, 5:00-7:00pm and are outdoor. 

Disability Sport Wales receives funding from The National Lottery to enable its mission to influence, include, inspire, in sport. We are able to work toward our goals and contribute to inspiring projects happening around the country thanks to players of The National Lottery.

For further information about this case study contact:

Get Involved

• insport Series: Events around Wales for all abilities.
• Inspire Form: inspire is a way that you, or someone who knows you, can let us know that you have the potential to achieve more in para and/or disability sport.
• insport Club Finder: Locate inclusive clubs near you and start your journey today.