Spark Tennis
Game Changers
REGISTER HERE
SENIOR Coach & NDIS COORDINATOR
Lee
Lee is an accredited psychologist who specialises in working with children who are neurodivergent. Her work aligns closely with the Spark Tennis philosophy of person first, player second.
Lee focuses on understanding the individual before the behaviour. She helps children build emotional regulation, confidence, and self-awareness in environments that value both high standards and high support. Her approach creates safety, clarity, and consistency, allowing children to develop strong habits that transfer beyond sport.
At Spark Tennis, Lee supports players by helping them handle pressure, manage emotions, and engage positively with learning. She works closely with families and coaches to ensure each child feels understood, supported, and challenged in the right way.
Lee’s contribution strengthens the Spark ecosystem. By prioritising the person behind the player, she helps children grow not only as athletes, but as capable, resilient individuals in everyday life.
Game Changers Program
Tennis and Life Skills for Neurodivergent Children
A small-group tennis program designed for autistic and neurodivergent children.
Built to support emotional regulation, social skills, and confidence through movement.
What This Program Is
Game Changers combines psychology-informed support with structured tennis coaching.
Sessions are calm, predictable, and developmentally appropriate.
The goal is skill growth, not pressure or performance.
This program suits children who need extra support to engage, regulate, and connect.
Who It Is For
This program is ideal for children who:
• Struggle with emotional regulation or big reactions
• Find group sports overwhelming
• Need structure, routine, and clear expectations
• Want to build confidence through movement
• Benefit from smaller groups and individual attention
NDIS participants are welcome.
NDIS Information
- NDIS participants are welcome.
-
Game Changers focuses on capacity-building outcomes such as:
- Emotional regulation
- Social interaction
- Confidence in group settings
- Participation in community sport
- Families may use self-managed or plan-managed funding.
- Please check with your plan manager to confirm suitability.
Led by Specialists
Designed and delivered by a psychologist and accredited tennis coach.
This ensures sessions balance emotional support with physical skill development.
Both needs are addressed at the same time, not separately.
Program Structure
Each session runs for 60 minutes.
30 minutes off-court
• Emotional regulation skills
• Social interaction and friendships
• Coping strategies and communication
• Building confidence in a safe setting
30 minutes on-court
• Simple tennis skills
• Turn-taking and rules
• Positive self-talk
• Managing emotions during play
Our Environment
• Small groups, maximum four children
• Predictable routines and clear structure
• Sensory-aware and supportive setting
• Calm coaching and consistent expectations
Children know what is coming and what is expected.
Benefits for Your Child
Parents often notice:
• Fewer emotional meltdowns
• Better transitions into activities
• Improved peer interaction
• Increased confidence to try new things
• Greater focus and persistence
Progress is gradual and supported.
Age Groups
Ages 6–12
Grouped by developmental stage, not just age.
Location
South Gisborne Tennis Club
Try a Session
Book a free, no-pressure trial session.
See if the environment suits your child.
Parent FAQs
No. Sessions start simple. Skills build gradually.
This is a skills-based program. It supports regulation and social skills through sport. It is not a therapy replacement.
That is expected sometimes. Sessions allow pauses, regulation breaks, and adjustments.
Maximum four children per group.
Yes. Parents are welcome to stay nearby.
By developmental stage and support needs, not just age.
Yes. A free, no-pressure trial session is available.
