Urge the Lawn Tennis Association to make a U-turn and keep tennis open to everyone. 

LTA has decided to shut down all the Youth tennis community programmes (5 to 16 year olds) at the National Tennis Centre in London.

As a results more than 220 children, and the generations to come, are forced to find privately run tennis clubs and coaches to play tennis and start their careers as tennis players. 

The young players, their parents, and the British Tennis fans, urge LTA to reconsider the decision to close the NTC junior tennis programmes and continue supporting the Youth tennis programmes.

Grassroots and youth tennis programmes are the purpose of the LTA and the foundation for developing future British and Wimbledon champions. 

These programmes are crucial to our community, providing essential opportunities for players of all ages, skill levels, and socio-economic backgrounds to engage with the sport we love.

The NTC has to nurture young talent and provide them with the necessary support and training, invest in the future of British tennis. Embrace the youth tennis programmes to continue to thrive, fostering the development of future champions.

We respectfully request that the LTA and NTC management:

• Reconsider the decision to close the junior  programmes.
• Ensure that grassroots tennis continues to thrive at the NTC, keeping the doors open to all ages, skill levels, colours, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Embrace and develop future champions.

The Importance of the NTC Programmes can't be ignored:

Development of Talent:These programmes have been instrumental in developing new talent, providing high-quality coaching and resources that are otherwise inaccessible to many.

Diversity and Accessibility: The programmes have made tennis accessible to players from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that the sport is inclusive and representative of all members of our society.

Community and Inclusivity: The NTC junior programmes have created a strong sense of local community and belonging for the kids, fostering friendships and a shared passion for tennis.

Future Champions: Grassroots and youth tennis programmes are the purpose of the LTA and the foundation for developing future British and Wimbledon champions. 

By signing this petition, we express our commitment to preserving the NTC junior programmes and our belief in the importance of making tennis a sport for everyone.