Emma Raducanu recently grabbed her tennis racket and hit the courts to coach a group of aspiring tennis players. This coaching session was part of the Prime Video LTA Youth Girls Programme, a grassroots initiative funded by Raducanu’s historic US Open win in 2021. Alongside tennis coach Tessa Bass, Raducanu delivered a fun-filled session to 15 girls at Preston Lawn Tennis Club in Brighton. The programme, designed to introduce young girls to tennis and keep them motivated in the sport, has already inspired over 3000 girls to pick up a racket for the first time.
Preston Lawn Tennis Club is just one of many venues hosting sessions as part of this multi-year programme. It offers a pressure-free environment for the next generation of female players to enjoy tennis. Earlier this year, over 250 coaches were trained on the programme’s tailored curriculum, and they have since launched their own local sessions.
Raducanu, who has been involved in the programme for over two years, expressed her excitement about giving back and inspiring young kids and coaches to get involved in tennis. She was amazed by the incredible stats, with over 3000 girls joining the sport because of this campaign. Raducanu also highlighted the benefits of group sessions, where kids feel less pressure and have the opportunity to learn new skills and socialize.
Tessa Bass, an LTA Level 3 accredited coach and part of the Prime Video LTA Youth Girls programme, emphasized the importance of creating a friendly energy on the court. She believes that when girls make friends during tennis sessions, they are more likely to continue playing.
The Prime Video LTA Youth Girls initiative not only provides an entryway into tennis for girls but also encourages existing players to become coaches and develop the next generation of talent. Sara, a lifelong tennis player who attended the session at Preston Lawn Tennis Club, shared her experience of coaching with the programme for a month. She found it rewarding to see how the girls have developed and how the programme has attracted more girls to the sport. Izzy, a 16-year-old participant, highlighted the importance of playing with other girls and the need to encourage them to keep playing.
Prime Video’s investment in the programme was fully funded by the redistribution of broadcast fees from Raducanu’s historic US Open win. The funds are used to train coaches, provide equipment and kit, support school roadshows and promotion events, and ensure that participation is accessible for families across the UK.
To learn more about the Prime Video LTA Youth Girls Programme and find classes near you, visit their website.