Tennis Scotland signs international Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration to support women & girls in sport
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Tennis Scotland are proud to announce that we have signed the International Working Group on Women and Sport’s Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, reaffirming our commitment to creating a sustainable and equitable sporting culture for women and girls.
We were one of six leading Scottish sports organisations which committed to advancing gender equality in sport at Scottish Women In Sport's annual conference – joining a network of more than 700 signatories globally dedicated to sharing knowledge and driving systemic change.
A signing event took place on Tuesday 18 August 2026, during the 'Innovation in Sport: The Future is Now' Conference at the University of the West of Scotland.
Created in 1994, the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration comprises 10 principles designed to help organisations develop a culture and ways of working that enable and value the full involvement of women at all levels and in all capacities.
As signatories, Tennis Scotland commits to enabling women and girls to freely and safely participate, compete and build careers in sport and physical activity, with our focus extending from grassroots participation to the workforce, all the way up to executive leadership.
Denise Irvine, Director of Operations at Tennis Scotland, said: “Tennis Scotland are committed to opening tennis and padel up and making them welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring for all women and girls who want to get involved. By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, we affirm our commitment to doing everything we can to encourage more female participation while enhancing opportunities and visibility in all areas of our work.”
Annamarie Phelps, Co-Chair of the International Working Group on Women and Sport, said: "It is fantastic to see such a strong, unified commitment from these six leading Scottish organisations. By signing the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration, they are not only holding themselves accountable to creating meaningful change at home, but also joining a global network and movement dedicated to advancing opportunities for women and girls in sport everywhere."
Scottish Women In Sport, Boxing Scotland, Cycling Scotland, Scottish Squash and Weightlifting Scotland also signed the Brighton Plus Helsinki Declaration at the conference.
