Hampshire wheelchair tennis player Leo Charlesworth‑Mark and coach Isla Hignett represented the South of England U14 Wheelchair Tennis Team at the National School Games Finals in Loughborough earlier this month. The four‑day event brings together more than 1,200 young athletes from across the UK, with a vibrant atmosphere often described as a mini‑Paralympic Games.

Leo Charlesworth‑Mark

Ten‑year‑old Leo was born with sacral agenesis, a rare condition affecting the development of the spine and lower body. Despite a challenging start to life and numerous surgeries, he has continually defied expectations through his determination and resilience.

Leo discovered wheelchair tennis in April 2024, and the sport quickly became central to his life. Since then, he has progressed rapidly through the LTA pathway, moving from the RTP programme to the Under‑14s level.

In just over two years, Leo has already achieved standout milestones: multiple competition wins, an ITF runners‑up trophy at his first attempt, performing the coin toss at the Wimbledon Wheelchair Men’s Final, and meeting members of the Royal Family. He has also appeared on Newsround and Blue Peter alongside his idol, Alfie Hewett — moments his family describe as “memories we will treasure forever.”

Leo’s long‑term ambition is to represent Great Britain, and selection for the School Games marks a significant step on that journey. Watching world‑class players such as Alfie Hewett and Tokito Oda this summer has given him, in his words, “a real understanding of the level I need to reach.” Rather than being intimidated, it has made him even more determined to keep improving.

His journey has already been remarkable — and he is only just getting started.

Isla Hignett

Tennis has been part of Isla’s life since she was five years old. Selected for the Hampshire & IOW county team at just seven, she progressed through the age groups and now represents the county at ladies’ level. Coaching became part of her pathway at 16, after a visiting coach told her club: “You should give this girl a job – she’s great!”. That moment sparked a coaching career she continues to build today.

Now a Level 3 coach and preparing for Level 4, Isla has primarily worked with players aged 10 and under, supporting their development through the performance pathway. Over the past year, she has also discovered a passion for wheelchair tennis.

Her involvement began when she stepped in to coach Leo during another coach’s maternity leave. “Initially, I was nervous because I had very little experience of wheelchair tennis,” Isla says. “I spent time observing sessions and learning more about the sport before stepping onto the court myself.” That leap outside her comfort zone has since led to opportunities at Regional Camps at the National Tennis Centre and coaching a player on the Under‑14 National Programme.

Isla proudly captained the South of England team at the School Games Finals. She explains:

“As team captain, my role extends far beyond match day. I’m responsible for preparing the players physically and mentally, leading warm‑ups, supporting them during matches, and creating a positive team environment. Above all, I wanted every player to enjoy the experience and feel proud to be part of the team.”

Reflecting on her journey, Isla adds:

“Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to opportunities you never imagined. I’d encourage every coach to embrace new challenges, and you never know where they might take you.”

It was a weekend to remember as Leo picked up bronze in the consolation draw and gold in the mixed doubles.

Congratulations to both Leo and Isla!