Growing up I wasn’t the richest, but I had a rich family in spirit. Standing here with 19 championships is something I never thought would happen. I went on a court just with a ball and a racket and with a hope. — Serena Williams
The Racket + Hope Tennis Academy was founded through an epic love and admiration of the Williams sisters, Venus + Serena, and is devoted to passing on their sheer greatness and determination to the players of the future.
Racket + Hope Founder Mary Ubah, an LTA-certified coach, aims to help underprivileged and unexposed children master every skill in the game of tennis. Ubah has personally seen dozens of talented athletic kids socially and economically impacted in their ability to pursue sport and her goal is, therefore, to bridge that gap by motivating kids to dream and believe in themselves. In addition to a coaching blueprint laid out by the Williams sisters, Ubah incorporates elements of fun and friendship into her instruction.
Racket + Hope Tennis Academy provides all children who come to the courts with skills instruction at a low cost, enabling them unimpeded access and leveling the playing field for players of all backgrounds. By following the great success of Serena and Venus, Racket + Hope empowers youngsters to hit the courts with their racket and hope, believing they can become tomorrow’s professional super stars!
For Players
Racket + Hope is a free academy, open to everyone regardless of age, ability and socio-economic background. It is a ‘big tent’ programme designed especially for children who might otherwise be excluded from high-level performance coaching.
Racket + Hope strives to deliver passion, opportunity and ability to children across London at a skill level that rivals or surpasses a prestigious academy. Once a child ages or ‘abilities’ out, Racquet + Hope works with other local academies and teaching pros for placement to further his or her tennis education.
For Volunteers
Racket + Hope was started by LTA-certified coach, Mary Ubah, and run by a dedicated group of volunteers who want to make a positive change in the London tennis community. If you wish to volunteer and have some tennis experience (helpful, but not required), please fill out the form, and Racquet + Hope will return your query as soon as possible.
We ask that all tennis volunteers:
Commit to at least two sessions monthly
Are comfortable with and enjoy working with groups of children
Are excited to learn about tennis and mentoring