Community groups inspired with on court activities, behind-the-scenes tours & a visit from Dayana Yastremska in Nottingham
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Community groups from across England and Wales came together at the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre for a fun-filled, action-packed day on the courts.
More than 45 children from Sunnah Sports in Bradford, ATF in Essex and Kid Care 4 U from Newport in Wales arrived at the start of the Lexus Nottingham Open to experience tennis on the iconic grass courts — a rare and exciting opportunity for many of them.
The event welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds. The aspiring young leaders took to the court with enthusiasm, connecting through the game, learning new skills, and growing in confidence with every swing of the racket.
The day was part of the LTA SERVES programme — the UK’s leading sport-for-development initiative designed to bring tennis to underserved communities. By delivering sessions in non-traditional spaces like community centres, youth clubs, and faith organisations, LTA SERVES is helping tennis reach further than ever before.
Leading the session was Arum Akom and his team of coaches from Black Tennis Mentors UK. Arum, co-founder of group, is passionate about making tennis more inclusive and supporting the development of Black players and coaches.
“It might be someone’s first time picking up a racket,” he said. “Our goal is to make it fun and engaging — to teach skills they can take with them, whether it’s at the park or in a club.”
Beyond tennis, the children were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of the tournament grounds, including the exclusive players’ lounge and private practice courts — a window into potential future careers both on and off the court.
Nalette Tucker from Bradford’s Sunnah Sports Academy, a powerful role model in her own right, said: “Days like this can be life changing. Kids could be inspired to play, become an official, or even go into sports media. It opens their eyes to the opportunities tennis can offer — and helps them feel like they belong in this space.”
One of the highlights was a visit with Ukrainian tennis star Dayana Yastremska, and a semi-finalist in the 2024 Australian Open. She joined the group for a Q&A session in the press conference room — a unique moment that combined the thrill of meeting a top player with a taste of what it’s like behind the media lens.
Dayana, who went on to reach the final of the Nottingham Open, shared her journey and encouraged the children to keep playing and having fun.
Kiran Matharu, the LTA’s EDI Programme Manager for Underserved Communities, said: “It’s powerful to see communities come together, get active, and reap the mental and physical benefits of tennis — all while having fun and learning about the career opportunities available to them.
“Through LTA SERVES, we’ve trained over 2,500 community leaders as Tennis Activators and inspired more than 50,000 young people to pick up a racket and get active. The programme removes barriers by providing free training, equipment, and support. It doesn’t matter who you are — tennis is for everyone.’’
But perhaps the most powerful voices were those of the children themselves.
Teenager Hibba Hussein said: “I like tennis because it’s energetic and competitive. I like going to the club and hanging out with my friends!”
Nalette summed it up: “Our group had a brilliant day — one they won’t forget any time soon.”
