Successful Tennis Programme for Ukrainian Families

Mole Valley District Council (MVDC) Delivers a Successful Tennis Programme for Ukrainian Families

With the benefits of sport for mind, body, and socialising well-established, Mole Valley District Council’s Sports and Communities Officer wanted to find a way to deliver these benefits to Leatherhead’s Ukrainian guests displaced by the Russian invasion.

Through surveys, evening tennis sessions were identified as a popular option for the guests and were subsequently arranged at Christ Church Lawn Tennis Club at Leatherhead Leisure Centre. Funded by the government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, the Club was extremely accommodating and were able to deliver two sessions a week for 6 weeks. As well as developing tennis skills, the initiative helped to bring the Ukrainian community together, cultivate social and friendship connections, reduce loneliness, and improve their wellbeing.

Most of the participants had little experience in tennis, so coached sessions were organised to support the group. LTA accredited coach George Ellis was delighted to work with the new players. With George’s help they made big progress and saw their tennis skills improving. One of the participants said: “George is an excellent coach who is very helpful, patient and meticulous at establishing good technique”.

Councillor Nick Wright, MVDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure & Tourism, said:

“Sport can be such a powerful tool to make connections, to heal and improve physical and mental health, as well as learn new skills. While the initial plan was for 12 sessions, following such a wonderful impact and feedback from Ukrainian guests, the sessions will continue.

To further support the group, tennis rackets have now been funded via our Wellbeing resources, meaning they can continue playing in their own time and into the future, helping to encourage their interest into the future. It’s great to see a programme like this come together to help our Ukrainian guests feel at home and enjoy the benefits taking part in a new sport. A big thank you to everyone involved in making this happen.”