LTA Tennis Foundation delivers unforgettable moments for Charity Network this summer
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LTA Tennis Foundation is the LTA’s official charity with a mission to improve lives through tennis. While it delivers impact through three core funding streams, it also creates unique and memorable experiences for its Charity Network.
Many of these opportunities take place during the LTA’s grass court season. Charity Network partners can request tickets to LTA events, and this year, almost 500 tickets were gifted across all tournaments.
In addition to this, 14 individuals nominated by their organisations had the unforgettable experience of taking part in a Centre Court Coin Toss at various tournaments. A truly special moment for each participant!
Thank you for all the tickets that have come our way over the past few of weeks, everyone who attended has had a great time. It was brilliant to be able to offer our Club President Mariska an opportunity to do the coin toss at the Lexus Eastbourne Open.
On Court with Andy Murray
This year’s HSBC Championships marked the official opening of the Andy Murray Arena, with Andy himself in attendance. Two young people, Jay from Greenhouse Sports and Gloria from The Queen’s Club Foundation, joined the celebration as representatives of LTA Tennis Foundation partners.
Before stepping onto Centre Court to rally with Andy and WTA Tournament Director Laura Robson, Jay and Gloria had the chance to meet Andy and ask for his advice in a special “Agony Andy” session.
Reflecting on the day, Gloria’s dad, Kieron, shared: “I just wanted to say a massive thank you to you and everyone for making the day such an amazing experience for Gloria and for me. Everyone was so helpful and welcoming.”
Behind the Scenes
During WTA week at the HSBC Championships, a group from Access to Sports, who run programmes in Islington to engage local women and girls in tennis enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour. They got early access to the grounds, explored the Media Centre, experienced a mock press conference, and even snapped photos with the new WTA Trophy!
Later, during ATP week, a young tennis coach from Get Set 4 Tennis named Luay had the chance to meet British No. 2 Jacob Fearnley for a one-on-one chat about what makes a great coach.
And at the Lexus Eastbourne Open, a SEN school group supported by The Tim Henman Foundation took part in a staged press conference experience. They met rising star Jakub Mensik, who spoke about his daily routine, life on tour, and what keeps him motivated.
Words cannot express how grateful we are for our experience at the Lexus Eastbourne open. It was truly a day we will never forget.
Fundraising & Support
Across the two weeks of the HSBC Championships, over 30 volunteers supported the LTA Tennis Foundation’s fundraising initiatives.
Alongside the traditional selling of used tennis balls, the team introduced an exciting new competition called The Golden Shot! Each day crowned a lucky winner, all of whom were invited back for the ATP Finals Day. There, they faced a series of tennis skill challenges to determine the ultimate champion. The final winner earned the thrilling opportunity to step onto Centre Court and serve to a target for a chance to win a brand-new Lexus. Although they didn’t take home the car, they left with a bundle of fantastic prizes and unforgettable memories from an incredible day.
The LTA Tennis Foundation were also supported this year by the LTA’s official hospitality partner Keith Prowse through a new experience at the HSBC Championships, designed by women, for women - ‘HerStory at Tennis’. Hosted by broadcaster Kirsty Gallacher during the WTA week, the event featured thought-provoking discussions with leading voices in sport and media. Guests gained insights into the evolution of women’s sport, the challenges still faced, and the transformative power of sport in society. All profits from the two days this unique experience ran were donated to LTA Tennis Foundation to support their mission of improving lives through tennis.
Across the other LTA events, funds were raised through raffles and used tennis ball sales. Every penny raised will make a huge difference in enabling even more people to access the unique and life-changing benefits that tennis offers. Thank you to all those who got involved – we couldn’t have done it without you.
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