Spotlight on the Black Tennis Collective: Elevating black excellence in British tennis
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On Saturday 5 October, the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton became the backdrop for the inaugural meeting of the Black Tennis Collective.
Timed to coincide with October’s Black History Month, five pioneering organisations from the black tennis community came together to form the Black Tennis Collective – the start of a powerful collaboration with the LTA.
At the heart of the Black Tennis Collective lies a shared commitment to enhance black visibility and participation in tennis across Britain offering valuable insights and perspectives from the black community.
Meet the founding members
The Black Tennis Collective is comprised of five trail blazing organisations, each bringing a distinct approach to promoting black talent and excellence in tennis:
- Tennis Black List: A platform celebrating black and mixed black heritage role models in tennis both on and off the tennis court. Through the platform, stories of representation, resilience and triumph are celebrated and championed.
- Black Spin Global: Known for its insightful podcasts and interviews, this platform shines a spotlight on black professionals in tennis, amplifying their stories and achievements.
- Black Tennis Mentors UK: Plays a vital role in supporting black tennis leaders in the UK, creating opportunities for future enthusiasts and fostering connections between leaders and learners.
- Back It: a mobile tennis club in association with Black Tennis Mentors UK aimed at fostering community and infusing culture into the courts. Back It brings tennis directly to black communities, creating accessible and inclusive opportunities for everyone to engage in tennis activities and competition.
- SheCanServe: A female-led initiative that empowers women through tennis, creating supportive environments for connection, learning and growth.
A strategic partnership with the LTA
We are keen to collaborate with a dynamic network that actively promotes and champions black visibility and participation in British tennis.
Alexis Simms, the LTA’s EDI Development Partner, who has been instrumental in building relationships with the groups involved, commented on the partnership: "The short-term goal is to foster collaboration among leading voices in the black tennis community. Long-term, we aim for the Black Tennis Collective to become a trusted ally to the LTA, advocating for greater inclusion and helping shape future initiatives.”
Alexis emphasised the profound impact of black visibility in tennis: “Black representation in tennis is vital for breaking stereotypes, empowering individuals, and inspiring future generations. By promoting diversity, we create a more inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.”
The start of a new era
We have already seen success in promoting inclusivity through our collaboration with the LGBTQ+ community and a close relationship with Pride in Tennis - we hope that the Black Tennis Collective will yield similar results. This partnership signals the start of a new era in British tennis, where increased black visibility can inspire future generations and help redefine what it means to excel in the sport.
For more information on the Black Tennis Collective and the organisations involved, visit:
