The LTA Tennis Foundation has announced a £1.5m cash boost for a range of tennis projects including those supporting disabled people, lower socio-economic groups, mental health, the rehabilitation of ex-offenders and families living in temporary accommodation.
The foundation, which was formed after the merger of the Tennis Foundation and The LTA Trust, opened its first application window at the end of last year. A second window for grant applications will close in September.
Among the recipients of the first round of funding is Greenhouse Sports Ltd which plans to scale up its Greenhouse Gamechangers project so that thousands more young people aged nine to 16 from communities facing poverty will discover the joy of tennis.
Béatrice Butsana-Sita, CEO of Greenhouse Sports said:
“The LTA and its charities have been a transformational partner for our charity for more than a decade, supporting our coaching and mentoring work to bring tennis to communities that are otherwise the least likely to experience this great game. We are delighted that in the spirit of the partnership this new funding from the LTA Tennis Foundation supports the expansion of Greenhouse’s coaching into primary schools so we can work with younger age groups and now provide Greenhouse support through a child’s entire school career.”
A grant was also awarded to Access Sport, which will create and launch a new disability inclusive tennis offer for children and young people. Initially launching in three target locations across 10 clubs, this one-year test and learn project will enable Access Sport to shape the offer and create a national programme with new resources.
Access Sport Chief Executive, Helen Rowbotham said:
“We are really excited to work with the LTA Tennis Foundation. This is a positive step forward for disabled children and young people looking to get into tennis and we’d be delighted to hear more from those interested in finding out about the project.”
Further projects to receive funding include Birkenhead Wellbeing Camps, which aim to tackle the issue of children going hungry during school holidays, and Living Well UK’s “Tennis Got Served” programme which supports children living in temporary accommodation in developing their physical health and mental well-being as well as increasing their confidence, reducing social isolation, and bringing together people from different backgrounds.
LTA Tennis Foundation Chair Tim Lawler MBE concluded:
“By collaborating with other charities and third sector organisations the foundation is challenging the status quo, looking for opportunities to invest in new and innovative projects that will make a real difference through tennis. It’s fantastic to see such brilliant projects and organisations in line to receive vital funding which will enable many more people to share in the enjoyment and benefits of taking part in tennis. We want to use our sport to make a real difference to people across Great Britain.”