LTA supports Tennis Black List parliamentary event

The event took place this week bringing together Tennis Black List organisers and award winners, LTA colleagues and parliamentarians. 

The aim was to build on the momentum of the awards, celebrate the success of winners and the ground-breaking work they have driven since the awards were launched and highlight the progress which is being made across British tennis. 

Figures show 27% of people who play tennis annually and monthly come from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and 20% of performance players. However, more needs to be done to improve representation in key areas of grassroots tennis such as amongst volunteers, officials, and accredited coaches, reflecting the fact that 18% of the population are ethnically diverse (according to 2021 census data).   

Attendees at this week’s event enjoyed a tour of parliament before taking part in a round table discussion hosted by Marsha De Cordova who is a long-standing supporter of the Tennis Black List, an Officer of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Tennis, and a visually impaired tennis player in her own right. 

In her opening remarks Marsha De Cordova talked about the importance of the Black History Month theme of Standing Firm in Power and Pride, adding that she would expand this to standing firm in power, pride and purpose, with a rallying call to all those in the room to recognise that they were changemakers standing on the shoulders of the many people that had come before them.  

Those present heard examples of Black excellence in tennis from grassroots to elite level, from organisers to players - all highlighting positive stories and showcasing different pathways into tennis.  

Black Tennis Mentors highlighted the work they are doing, supported by the LTA,  to create more opportunities for Black people to feel comfortable in a safe space. This included hosting an event at the weekend at Lee Valley, attended by British player Paul Jubb, bringing together the local community to inspire the next generation of players.  

Other themes explored included the importance of having Black role models from within local communities and speaking directly to those communities, making sure the workforce represents diversity in all roles, affordability of tennis, closing the gap between grass roots players and performance players and how Government and politicians can help.   

One of the areas on which there was agreement was the need for more covered tennis courts across Great Britain which would increase accessibility, affordability and the ability to play year-round. The LTA is currently making the case to Government to secure investment so that every community has a place to play, whatever the weather.  

Marsha De Cordova MP said: “Tennis Black List is a fantastic platform that recognises underrepresented talent and celebrates the trailblazers that are shaping the future of the sport. 

“It was wonderful to host the Tennis Black List award winners in Parliament and hearing more about their extraordinary contributions to making British tennis better reflect the makeup of the country." 

Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo, Tennis Black List co-founders added: “The Tennis Black List is evolving into a global platform that connects, celebrates and champions those shaping the future of tennis.  

“It’s about building something lasting together by recognising the trailblazers who open doors for others and inspire real change across the sport. This is a shared journey and we’re proud to keep growing it with every conversation, every story and every pathway.”