Opening the court: Ramadan and Eid events bring over 100 Muslim women and girls into tennis
• 2 minute read
More than 100 Muslim women and girls took part in Ramadan and Eid tennis events across England, many picking up a racket for the very first time.
Delivered by trusted community partners and supported by the LTA, these sessions formed part of our ongoing work to open tennis up to new audience, particularly women and girls who have historically had fewer opportunities to access the sport.
The largest event took place at Lee Valley Tennis Centre, hosted by Hijabi Serves and She Can Serve. The session welcomed women and girls of all ages, including mums and children - many of whom picked up a racket for the first time. It created a space designed specifically to reflect the needs and preferences of Muslim participants, including women only delivery and culturally relevant environments.
Through Hijabi Serves, we're intentionally building spaces that centre access, belonging and representation. It’s encouraging to see that work supported at an institutional level, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration to open up tennis to more Muslim women and girls.
This partnership led delivery model ensures communities lead the way, shaping provision in ways that help women and girls feel confident, comfortable and able to take part.
Ramadan and Eid tennis across England
Alongside the Lee Valley celebration, a number of community organisations delivered LTA supported Ramadan Iftar events and Eid Celebration sessions for Muslim women and girls in:
- Bradford – Sunnah Sports CIC
- Nottingham – Nottingham Muslim Women’s Network
- Birmingham – Together Tennis
- London – Rising Stars Tennis Academy
Each event offered a welcoming environment with relatable role models and opportunities for women and girls to try tennis in a way that felt right for them.
Supporting long‑term community connections
These activities form part of our broader approach to opening tennis up through long-term relationship building with communities across the country. Through our Ethnically Diverse Communities Plan, we continue to work with partners who understand the cultural, social and practical barriers that can limit access for women and girls.
By listening, collaborating and supporting community‑led initiatives, we aim to create sustainable pathways that help more Muslim women and girls stay involved in the sport beyond a single event.
Thanks to Hijabi Serves, She Can Serve, Together Tennis, Rising Stars Tennis Academy, Sunnah Sports CIC and Nottingham Muslim Women’s Network for leading these sessions and to all the women and girls who took part.
Connecting Communities
Find out more about our Ethinically Diverse Communities Plan today.
