A new initiative, Break Point: Coaching Without Barriers, has been launched to transform tennis coaching in East Kent by providing funded coaching qualifications to people from underrepresented backgrounds.
Led by Infinity Tennis – which runs sites including courts and sessions at Spencer Square in Ramsgate – and Net Gain Communities CIC, the programme aims to train 10 new tennis coaches from disadvantaged communities, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, ensuring greater diversity and accessibility in the sport.
Gavid Vickers, founder of Infinity Tennis and Net Gain Communities CIC, said:“Tennis should be a sport for everyone, but too often, barriers prevent people from getting involved.
“This programme is about opening doors, creating opportunities, and ensuring the next generation of tennis coaches reflects the communities they serve.
“By making qualifications more accessible, we’re setting up a stronger and more inclusive future for the sport in East Kent.”
Gavid says socio-economic barriers, the high cost of coaching qualifications, and a lack of accessible training have prevented many individuals from progressing in the sport.
With funding secured from Active Kent and Medway (£3,000), TASSO (£3,000), Infinity Tennis (£3,000) and a £1,800 discount from Virtus Leisure, the programme will cover all necessary training, including Level 1 & 2 coaching qualifications, DBS checks, first aid certification, and mentoring opportunities.
Break Point: Coaching Without Barriers aims to:
Train 10 new tennis coaches from underrepresented backgrounds.
Improve access to tennis coaching in disadvantaged communities.
Create more relatable role models for young players in East Kent.
Develop a long-term, sustainable coaching workforce in the region.
Gavid added: “We’re really excited to be bringing this initiative to life, and we’ll soon be on the lookout for people who want to get into coaching but might not have had the chance before.
“We will be actively recruiting from our diverse community of participants and from the wider community so If you’ve ever thought about becoming a coach or know someone who would be perfect for this, keep an eye out—we’ll be looking to support our next generation of superstar coaches.”
Find out about Infinity Tennis at: https://www.infinity-tennis.co.uk/
LGBTQ+-ABC…. is not a disadvantaged group by any stretch of the imagination.
Yet more woke nonsense, more positive discrimination, making the divide between normal and ‘no-so-normal’ people even wider.