New Projects



This year we are planning some new programmes, taking the work that we have achieved one step further. The Inter-schools Competition Schools which have participated in the Tennis Trail will have the opportunity to take part in the Inter-schools competitions, working with local tennis partners. This encourages schools to continue the good work kicked off by the Trail programme. This new activity will play an increasingly important role, exposing children to the experience of playing against other children in a competitive environment.

Interschools Competition

This can only encourage greater commitment to the sport, and may well be the competitive grounding for the champions of tomorrow. If as we expect, the inter-school competition is a success, it may well be rolled out on a national basis.

Future Initiatives

"Our idea is to use tennis as a way to gain and hold the attention of young people so that we can teach them about matters more important than tennis. Through tennis, lives can be changed and spirits reclaimed."

Arthur Ashe talking of similar work being carried out by the National Junior Tennis League and the USTA.

The Foundation is currently conducting extensive research into the possibility of a new project, which would continue the charity's aim of making tennis accessible to children and in turn introducing them to a healthier lifestyle.

This has come as a result of the facts that children:

are more sedentary and less fit in the 21st Century

need activities after school and outdoors

need to feel part of something worthwhile

need to mix and interact with other generations

need more places to go within the community

Tennis can make a real difference to people's lives. It can provide new opportunities not normally available to a child; it can help improve their self-esteem through competition and inter-active elements. Athletically talented children can be given the opportunity of trying out a new sport.

The Foundation will be researching new areas and ways of developing tennis within the community and will look to form partnerships with other organisations and charities. The emphasis will be keeping youngsters off the streets, in secure environments that will not only introduce them to the game but will also help develop their social skills, and personal disciplines that will enable them to hopefully become more responsible citizens in the future. Talented children will have the opportunity to maximize their potential.

Extensive research has so far been carried out in the United States, where community tennis is particularly strong, and investigations have been carried out here in the UK to find out what current work is being done in this field. It will take time to develop this new area of work and the Foundation would welcome discussions with any companies or individuals who would like to talk further regarding this new initiative. Investment in today's youth will contribute to the health and welfare of future generations

By continuing The Foundation's work of reaching out to those children who would not otherwise have the opportunity to try the game, it is hoped that tennis can become a fun, healthy part of children's lives.

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