Community Group
DSActive - Abingdon White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre
"Providing as many opportunities as possible for people with Down’s syndrome to be active & healthy"
Who We Help, Why We Help & the Difference It Makes
DSActive was created in response to the awareness of the sedentary lifestyles of many children and adults with Down’s syndrome and the subsequent health problems including obesity, resulting from lack of exercise and participation in sport.
For many of the players who attend our tennis sessions, DSActive has given them a chance to take part in sport where previously there were limited opportunities. They have have also massively increased the players’ enjoyment of and satisfaction in taking part in sport.
These weekly sessions have allowed players to develop in a number of ways and have showcased many examples of the benefits of the DSActive programme. Along with the obvious improvements in coordination and cognition, players have seen great enhancements in their physical and emotional health, and the sessions regularly highlight the change in confidence and self-esteem.
Our Services Are
Free Low Cost Subsidised Charged Donation AppreciatedConnect with DSActive - Abingdon White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre today to find out more
Get in touchWhat We Do
Tennis
There are now over 20 tennis sessions all across the UK. DSActive work in partnership with the Tennis Foundation who provide continuous support to the programme. Each DSActive tennis session is run by qualified coaches and a dedicated workforce of volunteers.
Tennis sessions provide lots of different activities for players to take part in from balance and co-ordination drills to exciting matches. As the tennis sessions offer a wide range of activities, individuals find there is always something they enjoy and can focus on.
Our Sessions
The White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre is part of the Better group who has over 200 centres across the country. As a Charitable enterprise we aim to make as many sports inclusive to all including tennis. Tennis is the perfect game for anyone with a disability as courts can be made smaller, bigger rackets used, or special balls used designed to slow the game down. We offer a range of disability tennis groups and are always looking to include more, including a DSActive session.
We meet between 11am and noon on Saturdays
As session changes are subject to change please check here for the most up to date information
The sessions are open to males and females from 5 years+
Cost £2.50 per session
For further information please contact the DSActive team on [email protected] or call us on 0333 1212 300.
DSActive Benefits
It is common knowledge that sport and exercise has many physical benefits. This principle also applies to individuals with Down’s syndrome, and the DSActive programme has already yielded some astonishing results. Many participants have significantly improved their weight management and fitness, increased their level of coordination and seen a noticeable ease of movement.
Additionally, DSActive has offered players an opportunity to spend time together in an active environment. The associations with existing local clubs has also created chances for participants to connect more frequently and freely with their peers at school. The vast majority of participants have also seen great development in their social and emotional development.
Sessions are run by qualified coaches who teach the participants skill, techniques and rules of sports in a fun and friendly environment. Many of the sessions focus on team work, co-operation and communication…all very important skills for everyday life.
Benefits for parents
Parents/carers who are involved, find themselves in the company of other parents who have similar experiences. This enables families to form a tight social group in which they can share advice on topics including school, social activities, and care providers.
Connect with DSActive - Abingdon White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre today to find out more
Get in touchVolunteer
Benefits for coaches
Coaches, volunteers and other members of staff involved with DSActive sessions will receive many benefits. They will all take part in Down’s syndrome specific coach education, which covers relevant and up to date knowledge of the condition. This helps to guarantee that best practice is being achieved at each club, ensuring coaching sessions are kept to a high standard for participants.
“I feel like I’m a better coach because of it; and hopefully the kids react to that. It is really challenging, but it is really rewarding as well.” – Fulham Badgers Football Coach
Additional coach benefits from being involved with DSActive:
- Better understanding of the condition
- Ability to promote community work in a unique and engaging way
- Help to improve the mental and physical state of their players
- Compete at national festivals
- Improvements in communication
Connect with DSActive - Abingdon White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre today to find out more
Get in touchCommunity Trail
Connect with DSActive - Abingdon White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre today to find out more
Get in touchGallery
Connect with DSActive - Abingdon White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre today to find out more
Get in touchAdditional Info
What the programme does
DSActive supports and works in partnership with sports clubs and activity providers to run sessions for people with Down’s syndrome. The DSActive team market all our sessions to increase participants, they regularly visit the sessions to support the coaches and run festivals with our sports clubs. The DSActive team also provide expert advice to each sports club or activity provider to ensure the sessions are of the highest standard possible and are suitable for all ages and abilities. The team have also helped many people with Down’s syndrome to achieve qualifications in their chosen sport so they can pursue their dreams of becoming coaches.
Working closely with many community and professional clubs, DSActive staff offer continuous support to everyone that is involved. During the start-up phase, clubs will be advised on the best way to organise and deliver a session to ensure the highest participation levels are achieved. Before any clubs begins their programme, they will be provided with coach education which is a workshop advising coaches how to work with people who have Down’s syndrome. Attendees of the workshop are not only qualified coaches, but are also volunteers, parents and staff at the club. This means everyone can get involved to form a tight community.
Connect with DSActive - Abingdon White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre today to find out more
Get in touchA Quick Note About All Profiles on aDoddle
We here at If Everyone Cares Ltd are working hard to ensure that all information provided on this website will be accurate and up to date. If Everyone Cares Ltd however makes no warranty, representation or guarantee that this website (or any of our associated websites) will meet your requirements, that it will be of satisfactory quality, accuracy, nor that it will be fit for a particular purpose, that it will not infringe the rights of third parties, or that it will be compatible with all computer systems.
No part of this website is intended to constitute advice and the content of this website should not be relied upon when making any decisions or taking any action of any kind.
If Everyone Cares Ltd expressly disclaims the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information on its website and accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or other inaccuracies, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. If Everyone Cares Ltd will not be liable for any damages relating to your use of the information provided on our website.