17/08/2026
Amazing new development for our squad tennis coach and 1st Team tennis sponsor Charissa Balman's School of Tennis. KPS wishes you all the best and may many lives be positively influenced by this new program.
πΎ A PROUD AND EXCITING FIRST FOR SOUTH AFRICA πΎ
I am incredibly proud to announce the launch of the first Love Serving Autism South Africa pilot programme at Wynberg Lawn Tennis Club.
My grandson, Braxton, has been my greatest inspiration throughout this journey. He has opened my heart and mind to the importance of creating opportunities where autistic children and young adults feel understood, included, supported and celebrated.
My journey towards establishing this programme began when I discovered the inspiring work of Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix, a speech-language pathologist, former competitive tennis player, and the Founder and CEO of Love Serving Autism in the United States.
Lisa combined her professional knowledge of communication development with her love of tennis to create a specialised adaptive programme for autistic children and adults. After learning more about the programme and researching its potential benefits, I knew that I wanted to bring this meaningful initiative to South Africa.
Love Serving Autism uses tennis as much more than a sport. Through carefully structured activities, visual support and individual encouragement, the programme is designed to help develop:
πΎ Communication and social interaction
πΎ Hand-eye coordination and motor skills
πΎ Balance, movement and body awareness
πΎ Confidence and independence
πΎ Emotional well-being
πΎ A sense of belonging and achievement
The latest CDC monitoring data estimates that approximately 1 in 31 eight-year-old children across selected communities in the United States has been identified as autistic. Although this is not a South African prevalence figure, it highlights the growing worldwide need for inclusive programmes that recognise and support neurodivergent individuals.
After many months of research, planning and collaboration, I am delighted that Tennis South Africa has officially endorsed Love Serving Autism South Africa and our inaugural pilot programme.
This pilot brings together trained tennis coaches, volunteers and occupational or speech-language therapists to provide individualised support in a welcoming and encouraging environment.
My sincere appreciation goes to:
π Lisa Pugliese-LaCroix and Love Serving Autism USA for sharing their knowledge, experience and programme with us.
π Tennis South Africa for believing in and officially endorsing this important initiative.
π Neo Medical, our founding sponsor, for believing in our vision and supporting us from the beginning.
π Wilson South Africa, our brand sponsor, for its valued support and contribution.
π Autism Connect for collaborating with me on this inaugural pilot and helping us create this special opportunity.
π Our therapists, volunteers, families and everyone who has encouraged and supported me in bringing this vision to life.
This is only the beginning. My hope is that Love Serving Autism South Africa will grow and create opportunities for many more autistic children and young adults to experience the joy of tennis while developing valuable skills both on and off the court.
For Braxton, and for every family searching for a place where their child can belong, participate and thrive. π
Together, we can create a more inclusive futureβone serve, one smile and one special achievement at a time. πΎ
Charissa Balman
Programme Director
Love Serving Autism South Africa