Rally Together London celebrates first coach trainee graduates at the Laver Cup

Rally Together London is a three-year partnership between the LTA and the Mayor of London, designed to make tennis more accessible and inclusive across the city. Through the programme, at least 5,500 young people will be introduced to tennis, while 250 volunteers, activators, coaches and community leaders will be recruited and trained to help build a more diverse future workforce for the sport.

A highlight of the week was the graduation of the first cohort of Rally Together London Coach Trainees. During the programme, they have developed coaching knowledge, leadership skills and confidence while gaining practical experience delivering tennis opportunities in their local communities.

Graduates from host organisation including the National Tennis Association, TwistFizz CIC, the Parklangley Club, Tennis for All, Tennis in Merton, Hackney Tennis and Abbey Wodd Tennis Club were recognised at a special ceremony at City Hall before heading to the venue to enjoy the Laver Cup.

Meena Abdullah from Tennis in Merton said: "Over the past few months, I've grown so much in confidence.

“I've learned how to lead sessions, communicate with different people and develop as a coach. It's been a really rewarding experience and I'm incredibly proud to be graduating today."

Throughout the week, Rally Together London coach trainees helped bring the Fan Zone to life alongside the LTA Tennis Foundation and their team of volunteers, supporting activities on the mini courts and running the speed-of-serve challenge for visitors of all ages. Through these interactive experiences, they encouraged fans to pick up a racket while gaining valuable hands-on experience at a world-class sporting event.

Working with the Laver Cup and the GLA, the LTA helped secure and distribute more than 2,000 tickets to schools, community groups and Rally Together London participants across the capital, including LTA Tennis Foundation partners. The initiative gave more young people and families the opportunity to experience world-class tennis free of charge, with participants enjoying a memorable day watching some of the sport's biggest names in action, including Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur.

John Golding, LTA Head of Delivery, London and the South East, said: "The Laver Cup has provided a fantastic platform to showcase the impact of Rally Together London and the strength of the partnership between the LTA and the Mayor of London.

“Seeing our first coach trainee cohort graduate, watching activators engage thousands of fans and helping more than 2,000 people from schools and community groups experience world-class tennis has been incredibly rewarding. These opportunities are helping to inspire the next generation and create lasting connections with our sport across the capital." 

Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London for Communities and Social Justice, said: “I am delighted to see this celebration of Rally Together London at the Laver Cup, including the graduation of our first coach trainee cohort.

“The Mayor was proud to launch this excellent scheme in partnership with the LTA last year to ensure more Londoners, especially young Londoners from underrepresented backgrounds, can access the opportunities that sport can provide.