SheCanServe: the story of how a viral TikTok transformed into a growing all-female tennis community
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Rushan Tonge-Bobia, 29, once feared attending her local tennis sessions at Burgess Park, little did she know then she would become the driving force behind many black women and girls rediscovering their love for the game. Venturing into the unknown more than 10 years ago, the then 14-year-old Rushan’s first experience on court would have a ripple effect, journeying from player to coach, to forming part of the trio who brought us the all-female tennis community SheCanServe.
Rushan and friends Angela Zamara and Memuna Koroma all connected through their shared passion for tennis, and despite a brief hiatus from the game, an eventual return to their childhood courts inspired TikTok audiences to get involved thanks to the light-hearted nature of their spontaneous sessions. It was these casual meetups between friends that would soon grow into a blend of new and lapsed players who, prior to their involvement with the community, either shared anxieties about picking up a racket or were unaware how relaxed and fun the game can be made to be.
“When we first started, we weren’t intending on setting anything up,” said Rushan. “Angela, Memuna and I played tennis for many years together and, like many girls in sport, we just stopped for a while. Then, one day we just decided to get back into it, performing drills and coaching each other, and I’d post our sessions on TikTok and they took off.
“We play music and just generally enjoy ourselves while we play, and so we received a lot of questions in the comments from women wanting to join.
“Through posting these TikToks, we realised many women want to learn how to play, or those who played in the past hoped to pick it back up again. So, when we saw there was an appetite for it, we rallied together to organise events for everyone to join.
“We held our first event in May, in collaboration with women’s sport and wellness community, Girls Doin’ Stuff, which was very successful with circa 60 attendees, and we churned out more social content as a result and it’s continued to grow since.”
“Now, every month we host a big event as long as the weather allows. We held a Wimbledon and Carnival event this summer, so we try to tap into anything current or trending – whether that be in or outside tennis.”
At Burgess Park, the likes of Rushan, her family, and the face behind the Black Tennis Mentors UK, Arum Akom, played and competed among a tight-knit, multicultural community growing up, but the LTA Level 2 accredited coach is mindful others may not have been so fortunate to experience varied representation in tennis.
“In our small community, there were a lot of people who looked like us,” said Rushan. “Plenty of black girls played tennis, but as soon as we travelled away to tournaments numbers were slim.
“So, for others, if they hadn’t grown up playing tennis at a club like ours, then they may have felt that tennis wasn’t accessible. But as soon as they saw us playing, and we had the music blasting, they realised that tennis was something they were very interested in.”
The success of SheCanServe can be attributed to many factors, but above all, Rushan, Angela and Memuna have made great strides in recognising the needs of their audience: representation and a warm, relaxed and jovial environment.
Like many, Rushan herself once battled with a fear of the unknown, steering clear of trips to the park courts with her brother so she wouldn’t feel alone in being the novice of the group. Yet, a year passed, and she soon mustered the courage to attend her first session where she kindled her love for tennis, while making life-long friends along the way. A case in point for the good that comes from stepping out your comfort zone, not to mention how sport may just lead you to your calling.
“The main advice I’d give to anyone in this position would be just try it,” said Rushan. “Going to one session and one session alone can make you feel completely differently. It did for me.
“We have so many different thoughts constantly circling our minds, and it’s easy to overthink everything. But when you just give it a go, you realise it’s not as bad as you first thought.
“I know this is all easier said than done, but it’s important to find a space where you feel seen, represented and comfortable, and as a result attending for the first time won’t seem as daunting.”
