11 May, 2026: Teesside, England: The Tees Valley Tennis Foundation (TVTF) has been officially registered with the Charity Commission, marking the formal launch of its work to support young tennis and padel players across the Tees Valley and the surrounding area.

The Foundation will provide financial assistance to young players whose progress might otherwise be limited by cost, including both those already playing and those looking to take their first steps in the sport. Grants will help cover coaching, travel, equipment, and competition expenses – key areas where financial pressure can hold back potential.

Phil Lowe, Chair of Trustees, said: “Tennis and padel should be open to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance. There are some outstanding young players in the Tees Valley whose ability is clear, but whose opportunities are restricted by financial barriers.

“Our aim is to break those barriers and make sure talent – not circumstance – determines how far they can go, while also ensuring that new players and their families are not put off by the cost of getting started.”

The Foundation will now begin seeking grants and external funding, with the aim of starting to offer assistance to young players aged 8–18 from summer 2026. It will also work with local coaches and clubs in the coming months to help identify players most in need of support.

For further information, please visit www.tvtf.org.uk

Notes: The Tees Valley Tennis Foundation is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) (Registered Charity number: 1217846). Its purpose is to advance participation and achievement in tennis and padel by providing financial support to young players in the Tees Valley and the surrounding area whose families face financial barriers.