T&RA Benefactor Scheme

Need for Money

The T&RA finances are in a reasonable state, despite providing support to those in need and ever growing demands to support apprentice Tennis and Rackets professionals. We have managed to cover routine expenditure from our annual subscription revenue, which goes towards subsidising play, especially schools and juniors. But the Association faces a real risk that it will not have the resources to meet the large and irregular requests it receives to provide more enduring support to our games. These generally fall into two main areas:

- Recruitment and improvement of training professionals;

- Restoration of existing courts; and

- Development of new courts.

It is critical that we enable the next generation of professionals by attracting and recruiting new players into our games, which, in turn, will inspire both young and old to realise their potential and achieve their dreams. Both games are suffering from an ageing professional profile and a serious shortage of young professionals which, if not addressed urgently, will leave many Clubs and Schools without a suitably equipped professional team able to teach to a high level and to support the courts’ economic operations. Once the youngsters are committed, we want to retain them and train them to support their clubs better. With your support, the T&RA is the major stakeholder in the Investing in Professionals programme for Real Tennis and has developed a similar programme for Rackets, Investing in Rackets Professionals, so that future players can be as fortunate as many of us have been to be taught and inspired by great coaches. Currently, we have the tenth IiP apprentice in training at Bristol, with the first two IRP trainees in place at Wellingon and Queen's, with two others being migrated from legacy programmes.

Equally, the generosity of historic donors and Benefactors has allowed the Association to make significant contributions to refurbish the match court at Rugby School and assist with the Rackets court galleries at Eton College; and improvement projects, including streaming facilities and equipment at a number of Tennis clubs around the country, that have greatly enhanced the playing opportunities and experience for our members in many different parts of the country. We have been able to support new, environmentally-friendly LED lighting projects across much of the UK. These challenges and opportunities will keep coming…

Benefactor Benefits

Aside from the regular benefits of being a T&RA member, together with recognition in the Annual Report and online, Benefactors also receive an invitation to an annual drinks party, where the Chairman provides an update on recent projects and developments. In addition, you will receive the Benefactor’s tie, or brooch for the ladies, on joining. Becoming a Benefactor is a perfect way to contribute to the future prosperity of our games that have given us so much pleasure over the years.

Become a Benefactor and support this initiative.

If you are willing to become a Benefactor and contribute a minimum of £300 per annum (including your annual subscription), contact the Membership Secretary, at the T&RA’s office at Queen’s (membership@tennisandrackets.com). Many thanks again for your kind and generous support.