Ramadan and Eid events bring over 100 Muslim women and girls into tennis

Bradford's Sunnah Sports CIC  is one of the Community organisations across the country who took part in Ramadan Iftar events and Eid Celebration sessions for Muslim women and girls.

The sessions supported by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) offered a welcoming environment with relatable role models and opportunities for women and girls to try tennis in a way that felt right for them.

More than 100 Muslim women and girls took part in Ramadan and Eid tennis events across England, many picking up a racket for the very first time. Other community organisations involved included: Nottingham Muslim Women’s Network, Birmingham – Together Tennis, London – Rising Stars Tennis Academy.

Delivered by trusted community partners, these sessions formed part of ongoing LTA work to open tennis up to new audience, particularly women and girls who have historically had fewer opportunities to access the sport.

The largest event took place at Lee Valley Tennis Centre, hosted by Hijabi Serves and She Can Serve. The session welcomed women and girls of all ages, including mums and children - many of whom picked up a racket for the first time. It created a space designed to reflect the needs and preferences of Muslim participants, including being for women only.

These activities form part of LTA's broader approach to opening tennis up through long-term relationship building with communities across the country. Through our Ethnically Diverse Communities Plan, LTA continue to work with partners who understand the cultural, social and practical barriers that can limit access for women and girls.