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GOOD PRACTICE PROFILE
LTA Tennis Foundation & Sport in Mind – Tennis Sessions for Mental Health
Implementing organisation
LTA Tennis Foundation – National Tennis Federation Foundation
Sport in Mind – Mental Health CharityGeographical scope
United Kingdom
Implementation period
2023 – ongoing
Primary beneficiaries
People experiencing mild to moderate and severe mental health conditions, including young people, as well as tennis coaches and venues.
Practice overview
Sport in Mind, a UK mental health sports charity, received a grant from the LTA Tennis Foundation in 2023 to scale tennis sessions in Wales, South-East and South-West England through the Open Court programme.
Sport in Mind runs more than 100 sessions each week across 12 counties, works closely with the NHS and has supported more than 18,000 people over a decade.
In 2024, a dedicated programme supporting young people’s mental health through tennis was announced.
The practice demonstrates how tennis can be used as a non-clinical, accessible and supportive environment for people experiencing mental health challenges.
Core components
Partnership between sport and mental health organisations
The programme brings together the expertise of a national tennis organisation and a specialist mental health charity. This allows sport and mental health expertise to complement each other.
Non-clinical and judgement-free tennis sessions
Sessions focus on participation, enjoyment and social connection rather than sporting performance. The environment aims to be welcoming and accessible to people experiencing mental health challenges.
Support and guidance for the tennis workforce
Coaches and tennis venues receive guidance, coaching tips and fact sheets to help them better understand and support people experiencing mental health problems.
Connection with health services
The programme works closely with the NHS and includes referral links with health services, helping sport become part of a wider support and care pathway.
Relevance to youth mental health and racket sports
The practice demonstrates the value of cooperation between sport, mental health and community organisations.
For RS4MH, it provides a strong example of how racket sports can contribute to mental health promotion and support without turning coaches into mental health professionals.
The model is particularly relevant for creating safe and inclusive environments where young people can participate, build social connections and feel supported.
The coach guidance and fact sheets are also relevant to the RS4MH Suite of Resources, particularly resources designed to help coaches recognise concerns and respond appropriately when a young person may need additional support.
Transfer and adaptation potential
Medium to high
Grassroots racket sport clubs can adapt this model by establishing partnerships with local mental health organisations, youth centres, schools or community organisations.
A club does not necessarily need a national mental health charity to implement the approach. Local partnerships can provide access to specialist knowledge, referral pathways and additional support while the club provides a safe and accessible sporting environment.
The model can be adapted to tennis, badminton, squash and table tennis and can be implemented at community and school level.
Reference sources
LTA – Sport in Mind partners with the LTA Tennis Foundation (2023)
LTA – New programme supporting young people’s mental health through tennis (2024)
VCoP Reflection
How could your club or organisation cooperate with a local mental health organisation, school or youth centre to make racket sport a more accessible and supportive environment for young people?
Join the discussion and share your experience with the VCoP community.
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