Unlocking Potential Through Tennis in Schools

Sport has an incredible way of shaping young lives, and tennis is no exception. Research from Sport England tells us that kids who are active are 10% more likely to stay active into adulthood. Add to that the Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) findings that early exposure to tennis boosts the chances of long-term participation by 75%, and it’s clear—we’re not just talking about a quick hit of fun; we’re planting the seeds for a lifetime of benefits. 

At Infinity Tennis, we’ve seen how these stats translate into real life. Through our school tennis programmes, we’re reaching kids in areas where opportunities can feel scarce. With a little support, a lot of rackets, and buckets of enthusiasm, we’ve been helping young people discover a love for tennis that sticks. 

Laying the Groundwork For the Future

A £10,000 grant given to Net Gain CIC by the Tasso Foundation and RMG Associates , has allowed our partner Infinity Tennis to bring tennis to schools across Thanet, one of the UK’s most deprived areas. In these schools, where 40–70% of students qualify for pupil premium, we introduced the sport to children who had never had access to it before. Picture a Year 5 student with a cheeky grin, nervously gripping a racket for the first time—this funding has been a true game-changer for so many kids.

But this isn’t just about showing up for a couple of sessions, hitting and quitting. We made sure these schools were equipped for the long haul. Each one got nets, rackets, balls—the works. Teachers confidently took over the sessions, using the equipment we provided, even after our coaches had left.  

The result? Tennis is now part of the school routine, not just a one-time novelty. We are currently enrolling pupils from these schools to offer a free six weeks of tennis, plus their own rackets and balls. 4 of those students will receive Rally for Change grants to make sure they can keep playing without worrying about costs or equipment.

Dylan’s Journey 

One of the most inspiring stories to come out of our community is Dylan’s. Now a dedicated adult member at Infinity Tennis, Dylan’s tennis journey began years ago through a tennis programme at his school. Back then, he recalls, tennis wasn’t something he’d ever thought about. “I remember feeling a bit nervous because I’d never held a racket before. But by the end of the first session, I didn’t want to put it down,” he says with a smile.

That first experience turned into something special. Dylan started attending junior sessions outside school at Broadstairs and St Peter’s LTC, picking up skills and building his confidence along the way. Over time, tennis became more than just a hobby—it became a passion. Fast forward to today, and Dylan is a key player in Margate's  Men’s first team. Known for his reliability and sportsmanship on the court, he’s proof of how early exposure to tennis can spark a lifelong connection to the sport. 

“Tennis taught me so much more than just how to hit a ball,” Dylan reflects. “It’s given me discipline, focus, and a great group of teammates who I now call friends. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without it.” 

The Ripple Effect 

The magic of tennis in schools isn’t just about fitness—it’s about life lessons. The LTA has plenty of research showing that sports build teamwork, resilience, and even lead to improved academic performance. The values learned while chasing down a ball stretch far beyond the court, as kids develop skills that will serve them no matter what path they take. 

At Infinity Tennis, we’ve been championing this approach for years. Partnering more recently with the East Kent Community Partnership and in past the LTA, we’ve delivered programmes to schools with high levels of free school meals. The highlight? Seeing lots of kids enter our coaching programmes and continue to play after the 6 weeks within their school had finished is truly inspiring. These are the kind of moments that spark something special—a lasting love for the game.

What’s Next?

If Dylan’s story inspires you, why not get involved? There are so many ways to make a difference. Whether you are playing for the first time, returning to tennis or a current enthusiasts why not get involved today.

Who knows? Maybe the next champion is out there, picking up a racket for the very first time.