From Local Courts to National Pathways: Leo and Emerson’s Remarkable Wheelchair Tennis Journey

Launched in September 2024, the Inclusive Player Pathway (IPP) is a five-year programme funded by Queen’s Club member Aditya Mittal, designed to open doors for disabled children and young people across Hammersmith & Fulham, nearby boroughs, and the wider London and South-East. At its heart, the IPP is about creating a welcoming, long-term and sustainable tennis pathway for SEND children. Somewhere young people can have fun, build confidence, and discover what they’re capable of. 

Leo first connected with the IPP after joining the QCF Family Festival in 2023. Emerson’s journey began even earlier, when he met Head of The Queen’s Club Foundation, Kate Maurici at a community parks wheelchair tennis event at just six years old. After keeping in touch with his family, Emerson was talent identified and welcomed into the programme too. Since then, both boys have been attending weekly sessions where they’ve developed not just their tennis skills, but also their independence, resilience, and sense of belonging. 

Thanks to their incredible commitment and the support around them, Leo and Emerson have now progressed into the LTA Under-14 National Age Group Programme (NAGP), beginning in January 2026. This next step helps young wheelchair tennis players grow into strong national competitors and, for some, future members of the U18 programme. They are now on-track to follow in the footsteps of Alfie Hewitt and Gordon Reid, two of their current heroes! 

Their achievement shows the powerful role QCF plays in helping local community players reach higher levels while staying rooted in the friendships and encouragement that shaped their journey. And what makes their story even more special is how they’re already giving back - Leo and Emerson now speak at IPP workforce forums such as the recent disability history month event at the Club, helping others understand disability tennis and inspiring new families to get involved. 

The IPP was made possible thanks to the generous support of Queen’s member Aditya Mittal, who believes deeply in improving children’s lives through sport. A heartfelt thank you also goes to their coach Allison Taylor and to The Queen’s Club for hosting the IPP sessions so warmly. Finally, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without the wider community surrounding it: the LTA Wheelchair Talent Pathway team, parents and carers, coaches, and the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust. 

Leo and Emerson’s story is a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to champion young people. The IPP will continue building those opportunities, helping many more children discover their place on court, and in the tennis community.  Through this project we are now also supporting a number of children as young as 4 years old at a QCF Community session held weekly at The Wimbledon Club.  We are grateful to Aditya whose generosity has enabled us to be able to impact the lives of all of these children.