Pilot Scheme Phase 3

We’re excited to be in Phase 3 of our pilot schemes, building on the successes of Phases 1 and 2. In this phase, we’re broadening our reach across different areas of Leeds and now Bradford and Halifax, engaging a wider audience. Our goal is to deepen our understanding of how removing identified barriers can truly open up tennis to underrepresented communities.

This crucial phase has been made possible by several organizations committed to breaking down barriers for children from underrepresented backgrounds. Our sincere thanks go to:

  • The Flint Family
  • Sport England
  • Sir George Martin Trust
  • Lexus Community Fund
  • Local Community Co-op Fund
  • The LTA Tennis Foundation

We’ve continued to partner with tennis centers in Leeds and Bradford that meet our specific criteria:

  • All-Year, All-Weather Facilities: These centers offer consistent access to tennis regardless of external conditions, with year-round facilities and coaching.
  • Community Accessibility: They are conveniently located in, or less than a mile from, some of the most deprived communities in Leeds and Bradford, with easy access via public transportation.
  • Existing Programs: These centers already have coaching programs and facilities, providing an ideal environment for integrating children from underrepresented communities.
  • Shared Values: Crucially, these centers align with our values and share our mission to open up tennis, fostering inclusivity and diversity within the sport.

By strategically partnering with these venues, we’re leveraging their resources and expertise to effectively implement our pilot scheme and maximize its impact on target communities.

Our core partner clubs include:

  • Chapel Allerton Tennis Club (Leeds)
  • John Charles Centre for Sport (Leeds)
  • Leeds Beckett University Tennis Centre (Leeds)
  • Armley Tennis Club (Leeds)
  • Heaton Tennis Club (Bradford)
  • Queens Tennis Club (Halifax)
  • Graves Tennis Centre (Sheffield)

To accommodate oversubscription and ensure as many children as possible can participate, we’ve also opened up the scheme to other clubs with outdoor programs:

  • Roundhay Tennis Club
  • Thorner Tennis Club