To mark its first anniversary, South London-based charity Young Champs is launching a bold new initiative aiming to reshape the future of British tennis by making the sport accessible to all kids, regardless of their background.
Backed by Top 150 WTA player Fran Jones, the ACE (A Chance for Everyone) campaign represents a nationwide call to action for tennis clubs to help break down the financial and social barriers that prevent young people from stepping onto the court.
Young Champs’ 2024 campaign raised £15,000 and generated 1400 hours of free coaching to local children. ACE is now challenging 100 tennis clubs and coaches to offer two hours of affordable coaching per week—priced at £2 per hour or less. This would unlock 10,000 hours of accessible coaching in a single year and set a new standard across the sport.
Having already introduced more than 300 young people to the sport through free coaching, Young Champs understand the crucial role that sport plays in empowering kids. Their grassroots-first model creates opportunities where few exist—especially for young people from lower-income backgrounds.
One of Young Champs’ brightest prospects, 11-year-old Sabein Weldegebriel, has flourished through the charity’s free coaching programme, going on to represent her county. Recognising her talent early, Young Champs provided the support she needed to compete alongside some of the top young players in the country, regardless of financial barriers.
Fran Jones, professional tennis player and Young Champs ambassador, said: “I’m proud to support Young Champs and their mission to enable young people across the country to play tennis. Campaigns like this are critically important to empower the next generation of sporting stars – we need to ensure young people have the tools and the knowledge to make it in the sport.”
Despite an estimated 3.6 million young people playing tennis in the UK, there is still no clear pathway for those from lower-income families to reach the top. With over a third of kids living in poverty and another third of families just about managing, ACE is determined to open the sport to those historically left out.
Young Champs co-founder Chris Marshall added: “So many children with good, natural sporting ability and hand-eye coordination end up falling into other sports because tennis is either too expensive or has a perception of being elitist. We want to work with and support other coaches to ensure these children get the chance to play and fulfil their potential.”
Qasa Alom, host of BBC’s Today at Wimbledon and Young Champs ambassador, said: “It’s vitally important that young people have access to tennis, no matter where they grow up. The sport is incredible for personal and mental development, and I want every young person in the country to be able to enjoy the fun that comes with stepping onto a court.”
With over 15* venues already opening their doors to new tennis stars, Young Champs hope to encourage 100 clubs across the UK to offer free or subsidised coaching.
To pledge your support to Young Champs and to find out more about ACE, visit YoungChamps.uk. Keep up to date with Young Champs’ latest activities and community projects by heading to their Instagram.
