Tennis Scotland welcomes new President & Board appointments
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Tennis Scotland has announced new Board appointments as part of the governing body’s continued ambition to grow and develop tennis and padel.
Rhona Alston, pictured above, became the new President of Tennis Scotland at its AGM on 24 April 2025, while Aidah Isa was appointed Vice-President.
It was also announced at the AGM that, following a successful recruitment period, four new members will join the Tennis Scotland Board in June.
Claire Somerset and David Childs will be appointed as Non-Executive Directors, while Yevheniya Bazhenova and Karin Sharp will become Observers in anticipation of joining the Board in 2026.
Formerly Vice-President, Rhona Alston has been a dedicated advocate for grassroots tennis over many years, including in her previous role as President of Tennis Tayside and commitment to supporting Montrose Tennis Club and the North of Scotland County.
Consultant ENT Surgeon Aidah Isa drove the impressive development and revamp of Bellfield Park Tennis Club in Inverness, for which she was named Tennis Scotland Volunteer of the Year in 2024.
Having amassed vast experience in global sports sponsorship, Claire Somerset has delivered significant commercial deals for organisations such as World Rugby and Juventus football club.
David Childs’ extensive sporting background includes roles with FIFPRO, the global union for professional football players, the Scottish Professional Football League, FIFA and the International Olympic Committee.
Currently working with investment banking giant Goldman Sachs, Yevheniya Bazhenova will add executive experience from financial markets to Tennis Scotland, while Karin Sharp is the former Chief Operating Officer at Scottish Golf and currently works in consultancy with a new-start technology company.
The new appointments will join the Tennis Scotland Board during a period of significant growth for tennis and padel, with record club membership, soaring participation, more indoor and outdoor facilities opening and an ever-strengthening competitions calendar.
Graham Watson, Tennis Scotland Chair, said: “The Board are delighted to welcome our new appointments who will each play a key role in supporting Tennis Scotland’s strong executive team as they continue to drive the game forward. Tennis and padel are seeing significant growth across Scotland and ambitious plans are in place that will ensure the sports continue on this path.”
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive, added: “I am delighted to welcome our new Non-Executive Directors, Observers, President and Vice-President to the Tennis Scotland team. Tennis and padel are enjoying a period of unprecedented growth in Scotland and we look forward to working together to continue to fulfil our ambitions for the future.”
