Tennis opportunities for women & girls expanded in Islington following LTA Tennis Foundation Grant
• 3 MINUTE READ
The Access to Sports Project, a community-led, creative, and innovative sports development charity, operates across the London boroughs of Islington, Haringey, and Hackney.
With funding from an LTA Tennis Foundation grant and in partnership with Islington Council, the charity has successfully scaled up its "Tennis for All" programme, introducing sessions at a new location: Rosemary Gardens in South Islington.
These sessions, led by dedicated female coach Karen, have been designed to be both inclusive and enjoyable, fostering a welcoming environment from the outset. Recognising the importance of building a community to ensure the programme's success, the team implemented a variety of low-cost and free activities to encourage participation.
The programme includes adult-only, women-only, and junior tennis sessions, as well as the popular "Free Fun Friday" initiative, a holiday camp-style session aimed at children.
Building a community
As the programme progressed, it became evident that women were attending in significant numbers — not only at women-only sessions but across all activities. The sense of community and the relaxed, approachable coaching style contributed to this success. Karen remarked, “I think it could be that I’m a female coach, so it makes people feel more comfortable to start with. Then they enjoy the sessions and keep coming.”
The junior girls' group has also seen exceptional growth, often inspiring mothers to join in and participate. This organic development has enhanced the sense of community, creating a space where women and girls feel supported and connected. Karen added, “They’ve all got WhatsApp groups now and try to play at other times, which is fantastic.”
When asked why the sessions are so appealing to women, Karen explained, “It’s the style of coaching - it’s very relaxed, which puts a lot of women at ease. Many turn up extremely nervous; some are so anxious they can hardly speak. They often say, ‘I’ve not played before,’ or ‘I’m not very good,’ or ‘I haven’t played since school.’ But we make them feel comfortable, invite them to give it a go, and work with them to build confidence.”
Creating the right environment
Karen further emphasised the importance of tailoring the approach for female participants: “I approach women-only sessions slightly differently from mixed or male-only groups. I focus on making everyone feel comfortable, spend more time talking and getting to know each other, and build the session slowly. By the end, I always aim for a success, so they leave feeling confident and wanting to come back.”
Jo Halstead, who attends one of the women only sessions commented: ‘I’ve attended the ladies only programme at Rosemary Gardens, and it has been a transformative experience. Karen has a clear, patient and encouraging teaching style (and a great sense of humour too!). She breaks everything down in such a way that it never feels overwhelming for a beginner; her ability to tailor the lessons to the needs of the group while ensuring everyone feels included, has made the whole experience enjoyable and rewarding.
"Attending the course at Rosemary Gardens has not only improved my tennis but also my sense of community. I've really enjoyed meeting local women and building connections in a positive and supportive atmosphere. I’ve made new friends, and it’s become the highlight of my week. I truly believe that this programme has a positive impact on the local community, offering women a welcoming space to learn, socialise, and get active together’
And Helen Edwards, who has been attending the 50+ Women's only sessions said: ‘Karen is an excellent coach. Not only does she not give up on people, her sense of humour and fun aspect is lovely. Her sense of community has made our group grow and everyone enjoys the session. I think the fun aspect of the games is what really brings this session to life.
"It makes you feel young again. I hadn't picked up a racquet since the 80's so this felt a bit daunting, but Karen encourages everyone to keep going -whatever level. I now play twice a week as well and the learning has given me the confidence to challenge myself and other people to a game!’
Karen is an excellent coach. Not only does she not give up on people, her sense of humour and fun aspect is lovely. Her sense of community has made our group grow and everyone enjoys the session.
Opening tennis for everyone
This focus on female-led coaching has been a cornerstone of the programme's success. By fostering an environment where women feel understood and supported, the initiative addresses common apprehensions about skill level or lack of experience. Adaptive coaching methods, such as the use of smaller courts or softer orange balls, ensure that participants achieve measurable success, boosting their confidence and encouraging continued engagement.
The choice of location has also played a critical role. Rosemary Gardens offers a spacious and welcoming environment where parents can either watch or participate alongside their children, creating a family-friendly atmosphere. This inclusive design has transformed tennis sessions into lively, communal experiences.
The success of this initiative demonstrates the transformative power of inclusive, empathetic, and community-focused sports programmes. The "Tennis for All" sessions at Rosemary Gardens not only promote tennis as a sport but also strengthen community ties, fostering a sense of belonging for all who attend.
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