The Australian Government is investing almost one million dollars to support more women and girls to play tennis and enjoy the mental and physical health benefits sport provides.
Tennis Australia will receive $992,000 from the Albanese Government to deliver programs in up to 60 clubs to improve the participation and retention of women and girls from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.
The funding is provided under the participation and equipment stream of the government's $200 million Play Our Way Program to remove barriers faced by women and girls in sport.
Unfortunately, participation in tennis by girls slowly declines after 15 years of age due to lack of time and competing priorities. While CALD women face additional barriers such as language difficulties, lack of information and spending money and cultural dress codes.
Three people will be employed as Tennis Australia's "gender equity leads" to deliver the program and provide training to leaders and members of local CALD communities on gender equity in sport.
The Tennis Australia program aims to support 1800 CALD women and girls.
From over 600 applications, Tennis Australia was one of 124 sporting organisations awarded funding under the Play Our Way participation and equipment stream.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Sport, Anika Wells:
"Despite Australia's proud history in women's tennis, too many women and girls are either not trying the sport or dropping out as they get into their late teens.
"We need more people from more diverse backgrounds playing more sport.
"This $992,000 investment could help us develop a Brisbane 2032 Olympian or Paralympian to challenge for a tennis medal.
"Playing tennis and other sport has great benefits for our health and mental health as individuals, and also brings people and communities together.
"This Play Our Way program will make it safer and easier for women and girls from all backgrounds to get active with tennis."
Quotes attributable to Tennis Australia CEO, Craig Tiley:
"Equality, inclusion and diversity - both on and off the court - are at the heart of everything we do. This additional funding from the Government will support our ongoing work with women and girls in tennis - now with a focus on culturally diverse communities."
"The funding will help break down barriers, create lasting opportunities and inspire the next generation of players from all backgrounds to reach their full potential in tennis and beyond."
