By the end of the 2022-23 season we will have helped over 5,000 people play tennis at least once including over 1,000 University of Bristol (UOB) students (or about 1 in every 29 UOB students).
We have worked with a range of partners this season to increase the number of opportunities for people to play and we have tried our best to target people who may not have had the opportunity to play before. Two good examples below…
- Over 2,500 children took part in our LTA Primary School Roadshow in March (more than 500 joined us for an open day at Coombe and 200+ signed up to our 6 week follow-on offer, of which, over 100 have continued to play with us each week this term)
- We have seen a 300%+ increase in the number of unique participants on B:Active tennis sessions, the majority of whom are female, (declared themselves as) non-white, international students without a sports pass or club membership
We are working hard to open up the sport, to increase participation and to develop new pathways through the sport to help people maximise their potential, on and off the court.
Our tennis community has come together to train, develop, have fun and compete but also to raise awareness of important issues and to fundraise for important causes including…
- Ravi’s (3 hour) London marathon fundraiser for Healthy Minds (over £2,000 raised) (read the story)
- University of Bristol Tennis Club (UBTC)’s 24 hour fundraiser for Water Aid led by UBTC committee member Josh
- One of our brilliant 14 year old players (and regular volunteer) Maddie who is aiming to raise £1,000+ for the South West Air Ambulance
In addition to these great examples, Head Coach Ali Blackett worked closely with the UBTC committee to deliver the 4th Hobson Cup. The Hobson Cup is a brilliant event, for past and present members of UBTC to compete in a fun-filled afternoon of tennis, netball and football. The event was started in memory of Jack Hobson, a former UBTC member, BUCS player and student coach. Jack’s contribution to UBTC as his time as a student was outstanding. Jack sadly passed away after he graduated.
The Tennis Team and UBTC are busy delivering a busy summer schedule whilst planning for the 2023-24 season which will be our best yet!
Don’t forget to check out the new outdoor courts at Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, come and play with your family and friends this summer and enjoy Wimbledon!
Find out more about our tennis programme.
Read the LTA press release about our LTA Youth Recognised Venue status.
Blog written by: Andy Trott (Director of Tennis)