From a Have-a-Go Day to Finding His Place: Dilan’s Wheelchair Tennis Journey

What started as a single Wheelchair Tennis Have-a-Go Day has quickly become a passion for young player Dilan.

Dilan first picked up a tennis racquet at a Have-a-Go Day hosted at Pāpāmoa Tennis Centre in February 2026. Attending with his mum, Jess, he immediately showed a natural enthusiasm for the sport, with his determination and willingness to give anything a go standing out from the start.

The event also introduced Dilan to Sam Collins, New Zealand-born coach and current National Wheelchair Tennis Coach for Ireland, whose encouragement helped spark Dilan's growing interest in wheelchair tennis.

Since then, Tennis New Zealand has supported Dilan's development by helping fund coaching, equipment, and a club membership. This support has enabled him to access regular tennis opportunities at Ōtūmoetai Tennis Club, where he now works with coach Kelly Hubert through a combination of one-on-one and group coaching sessions.

For Jess, finding the right activity for Dilan hasn't always been easy.

"It can be hard to find something he genuinely enjoys between appointments, school, and everything else that's going on," she says.

Tennis, however, has been different.

At Ōtūmoetai Tennis Club, Dilan has found more than just a place to play. He's built friendships, grown in confidence, and become part of a welcoming and inclusive community that supports him both on and off the court.

"I've never seen him so passionate about a sport," says Jess. "He gets really disappointed when sessions are cancelled because of the rain. When he's not at the court, he's out the front of the house hitting balls against the wall."

What started as a single Have-a-Go Day has become a meaningful part of Dilan's weekly routine and a sport he truly loves. His journey highlights the powerful impact that accessible and inclusive opportunities can have when the right support is in place.

Dilan's story also reflects the direction Tennis New Zealand is working towards. Through coach education, club support, equipment initiatives, Have-a-Go Days, and player development opportunities, Tennis New Zealand is committed to creating more pathways into wheelchair tennis and helping more players discover a lifelong connection to the sport.

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