Tennis Wales Announces 2026 Tie-Break Fund Recipients
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Tennis Wales has announced £26,000 in tie break inclusion grants, helping open tennis and padel up, right across Wales. The funding will create new opportunities for participation among underrepresented groups, welcoming more women and girls, disabled players, and diverse communities who may not ordinarily take part.
A total of 21 applications were received, demonstrating strong demand from venues, community organisations, and delivery partners nationwide. Following a competitive selection process, 8 projects were chosen for their alignment with Tennis Wales’ mission of tennis opened up and will receive funding this year.
Amar Apna Padel - Women’s Padel Programme (Cardiff)
A 12-week, women-only padel programme designed to introduce beginners from South Asian and ethnically diverse communities to the sport. The initiative will include weekly coached sessions, equipment provision, and a celebration tournament, engaging 40–50 participants and establishing long-term participation pathways.
Clwb Racedi Merched yr Urdd (Torfaen)
A Welsh-language tennis and padel initiative offering summer taster sessions followed by weekly activity for women & girls in an area of high deprivation. The project combines sport with language development, helping to build confidence, strengthen social connections, and encourage sustained engagement.
Wheelchair Tennis Initiative (Swansea)
Led by Swansea Tennis and Squash Club, this project will capitalise on newly refurbished accessible courts, to establish an inclusive wheelchair tennis programme. The initiative will feature an open day aimed at attracting new wheelchair users to the sport, followed by a structured coaching programme delivered by Level 3 coach and wheelchair player Tony Heslop.
Inclusive Wheelchair Tennis - Ysgol Dyffryn Aman (Carmarthenshire)
A comprehensive inclusion programme providing tailored tennis and padel opportunities for young people with disabilities and additional learning needs. The project includes wheelchair tennis pathways, specialist equipment, and links to local venues, operating across both schools and community settings.
LGBTQ+ Tennis Sessions (Caerphilly)
A series of dedicated sessions designed to create a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQ+ participants. Delivered in partnership with local youth groups, the programme will combine coaching, social play, and community engagement to support confidence, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging.
The Ranch Women & Girls Padel Project (Pembrokeshire)
Six monthly women-only padel events supported by beginner-friendly coaching festivals in a rural location. The project aims to increase participation by building confidence, developing female role models, and progressing participants into regular play, with ambitions to establish a women’s padel league in West Wales.
Sport Without Barriers (Wrexham)
An inclusive programme delivering introductory tennis sessions for children aged 8–14 of mixed abilities, including wheelchair users. The sessions will focus on creating positive first experiences, building confidence, encouraging social integration, and raising awareness of inclusive sporting opportunities.
Walking Tennis Project (Ceredigion)
A community-focused initiative introducing walking tennis and social sessions for older adults, women, and individuals experiencing isolation or health challenges. Weekly sessions will promote physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, and encourage long-term engagement through adapted formats of the sport.
All eight projects share a common goal: to ensure tennis and padel are accessible, affordable, and delivered within safe, welcoming environments for all.
Stuart Baker, National Development Manager said
“Through the Tie-Break Fund, we’re taking meaningful steps to make tennis and padel more inclusive across Wales. This year’s projects highlight the impact of supporting local initiatives that remove barriers and create welcoming spaces, especially for underrepresented groups. From women’s and disability participation to LGBTQ+ inclusion and culturally relevant programmes, these initiatives help build confidence, a sense of belonging, and lasting pathways into the sport.”
The tie-break fund is now in its third year within Tennis Wales. The fund has invested over £75,000 into projects across Wales that open tennis and padel up and is supported by a superb range of sponsors.
