Young Londoners enjoy action-packed Rally Together London Tennis Festival
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Nearly 100 children from communities across London came together for a high-energy day of tennis, teamwork and fun at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton.
The tennis festival on Friday 22 August marked the official launch of Rally Together London, a groundbreaking three-year collaboration between the LTA and Mayor Sadiq Khan aiming to open tennis up to more young Londoners and break down barriers in the sport.
The children, aged eight to 13, came from nine community groups based across the capital. The youngsters got stuck into a range of interactive activity stations and made new friends both on and off the court.
They got the chance to take part in a Q&A with British star Alastair Gray before hitting some balls. Alastair recently won his fourth title of the season on the ITF World Tennis Tour at the M15 in Dublin, coming through a talented field of British and Irish players.
Rising tennis star Ella McDonald also joined in the day. Ella - who has won 14 ITF titles, 11 doubles and 3 singles, so far in her career - was on hand to offer tips and lots of fun too.
The 20-year-old said: “I love that tennis is accessible and welcoming to everyone – regardless of age, gender, background or ability. Whether you're picking up a racquet for the first time or playing competitively, there’s a place for you in this sport.
“It’s not just about winning matches; it’s about making friends, building confidence, and being part of a supportive community. It’s a game that provides a lot of enjoyment and truly brings people together.”
Whether you're picking up a racquet for the first time or playing competitively, there’s a place for you in this sport.
The half a million-pound investment over the next three years aims to get at least 5,500 more young people into tennis, especially those from underserved boroughs. The initiative will train 250 people from under-represented backgrounds - at least 50% of whom will be female - to join the tennis workforce and deliver accessible sessions for local communities.
Rally Together London will recruit, train and deploy 200 tennis activators to deliver the sport. These activators will help grow the LTA’s Barclays Free Park Tennis programme of free weekly sessions with equipment provided on public park courts, as well work with the LTA SERVES initiative. LTA SERVES aims to bring tennis into the heart of local communities for young people who may never otherwise have played the sport.
Additionally, 50 new tennis coaches will be supported to earn their LTA Assistant (Level 1) and Instructor (Level 2) qualifications — helping to grow participation, create jobs, and especially boost the number of female coaches and role models across London.
The partnership will also champion women's sport more broadly, following the return of a WTA tour level event to the Queen’s Club for the first time in more than 50 years as part of the HSBC Championships this summer.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to see this partnership with the LTA come to life as we introduce tennis to young Londoners who may otherwise never have got the chance.
“The Rally Together London festival is just the start of a really exciting three-year programme we have to create new opportunities for young people and particularly young women across the capital – not only to play the game but also training as coaches and getting good jobs in the industry.
“London is the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025, and I am determined to bring even more sporting events to our city as we continue working to build a better, healthier, more prosperous London for all.”
Amie Martin, Delivery Manager for Rally Together London at the LTA said: “What’s so exciting about this partnership is its potential to truly open up tennis. Tennis has so many benefits beyond the court: it builds confidence, improves physical and mental wellbeing.
“Through Rally Together London, we’re investing in people — especially women and those from communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in the sport. By training new activators and coaches who reflect the diversity of London, we’re not only creating new opportunities to play, but also building a more inclusive workforce that young people can see themselves in.
“This is about long-term change — creating welcoming spaces in parks, schools and community venues where tennis is accessible, enjoyable, and truly for everyone.”
Dominique Bardouille-Mofford from TETH Youth and Adult Service in Harrow has become an Activator to help grow the game. The 21-year-old said: “"I’m not trying to be a top tennis player or anything — but I know how to hit the ball over the net, and that’s enough. It’s just a fun way to be active. It’s good for your coordination and gets you moving.
“You don’t have to take it seriously — it’s just something different for everyone to try."
Every child at the festival also got to take away a FAGE LTA Youth Starter kit with everything needed to get involved in tennis and discover a love for the game. It includes a racket, balls and access to a free taster tennis session.
Want to get involved? Find out more at: Mayor and LTA partner to open tennis up to thousands more Londoners
