British wheelchair tennis number two Greg Slade joins Croydon Aces LGBTQ+ Tennis Open Day to kick off 50th year celebrations

Coinciding with LGBTQ+ Pride Month, the special event was a chance for people to come along and make new connections, build confidence on court, and celebrate an incredible milestone with Ace Players. Paris 2024 Paralympic doubles silver medallist and British Quad Wheelchair Tennis Number 2, Greg Slade, who came out publicly ahead of the 2026 Australian Open, joined regular members on court for an exhibition doubles match and spent the afternoon inspiring attendees.

British number two Greg Slade went along to support the open day at Shirley Park LTC (Credit: James Budgen Photography for LTA)

Slade’s appearance underscores his commitment to working with Great Britain’s LGBTQ+ tennis network, Pride in Tennis, to amplify LGBTQ+ visibility and foster an inclusive culture across British tennis. Greg Slade commented, “I hope the visibility I have created through my story helps inspire others to get involved. There has been so much progress as a whole in recent years but there is still a lack of visibility which is why it is important to come and support events like this and see out and proud LGTBQ+ organisations promoting our causes.

"It’s so important that the hard work continues. I would encourage young LGTBQ+ people to get involved. They will find organisations like this, they’ll find a community, speaking from my own experience that has been invaluable.”

Supported by funding from Surrey Tennis, the open day successfully united London’s oldest and newest LGBTQ+ tennis networks. The event drew a diverse crowd from Croydon and across Greater London, with women making up 50% of the new player attendance alongside strong representation from local ethnically diverse communities. Attendees enjoyed two hours of free coaching, networking, and social matchplay.

For Leigh Armstrong and the Aces, the session was all about bring people together from across Croydon to have fun on court (Credit: James Budgen Photography for LTA)

Leigh Armstrong, a founding member of Croydon Aces, expressed his delight at the turnout: "The day was an extraordinary success! We were blessed with fantastic weather and an incredible community spirit. It was encouraging to see so many regular, new, and previously lapsed players getting back on court together.

“Today proved that Shirley Park LTC provides a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. Ace Players is a friendly social group open to everyone in the LGBTQ+ community, and this event provided the perfect kick start to our 50th year celebrations."

Armstrong also extended his gratitude to the LTA, Surrey Tennis, and Croydon Council for providing the essential funding and promotional support to make the milestone event possible. Following the open day's success, several new players have officially joined the club, while others have signed up for ongoing individual and group coaching sessions.

Founded half a century ago, Croydon Aces has grown into a thriving community of nearly 200 members aged 28 to 80. Drawing players from as far as Ealing and West Drayton, the group remains a vital social and wellness lifeline, offering a dedicated space where South Londoners can stay active, build friendships, and play as their authentic selves.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Pride Month at LTA events throughout June

As grass court season kicks off, all LTA major events will once again feature Friday Pride Days, marking global awareness month celebrating LGBTQ+ communities. Friday Pride Days have been a feature of LTA events since 2022, promoting tennis tournaments as a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for all.

Friday Pride Days throughout June at LTA events and clubs and venues across Britain are all about showing tennis as a safe and welcoming sport for all (Credit: James Budgen Photography)

Tennis clubs across the country are following suit with local events thanks to Rally Allies, a nationwide LGBTQ+ inclusion training programme in partnership with Pride in Tennis, funded by The LTA Tennis Foundation.

Away from grass court events, the LTA will continue to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ+ Pride activities that are happening across the month.