Five Years of UNMATCHED: Establishing a Foundation of Collaboration and Allyship for Gender Equity in Sports
The UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in Sports Conference celebrated its fifth anniversary earlier this month.
Over 85 applicants
in 2026 - a record which shows the consistent increase in applications year over year.
Nearly $425,000
in funding has been distributed since the program was established in 2022.
71 unique organizations
provided support across 10 provinces and 2 territories.
Flexible Funding
Two funding streams in 2026: One-year grants, worth up to $7,500, and two-year grants, worth up to $20,000.
32 ORGANIZATIONS AWARDED GAME. SET. EQUITY. COMMUNITY TENNIS GRANTS PRESENTED BY NATIONAL BANK
In June, Tennis Canada proudly announced that 32 organizations were awarded funding as part of the GAME. SET. EQUITY. Community Tennis Grants presented by National Bank in 2026.
The selected programs span from coast to coast to coast, located across all 10 provinces and one territory, ranging from local community tennis clubs to universities, adaptive sport organizations, and equity-focused grassroots initiatives.
This year's program included two funding streams:
- A one-year grant of up to $7,500 for eligible organizations
- A new two-year grant of up to $20,000 for past recipients focused on long-term impact
The application process for the 2027 Community Tennis Grants will open early next year.
Download the Grant Guide below to learn more.
GRANT APPLICATION
Eligible:
- Non-profit organizations or community groups that serve the grassroots community
- Examples include tennis clubs, charities, Indigenous community centres, newcomer associations, schools, and universities
Ineligible:
- Provincial and Territorial Tennis Associations
- For-profit organizations
- Individuals
*Individuals/personal expenses are not eligible to receive funding through this grant.
- Initiatives that focus on the participation, retention, and/or advancement of self-identifying women and girls with a minimum of 70 per cent of funding being directed toward women and girls.
- Examples of eligible initiatives:
- Piloting a new program, or an enhanced previously funded program
- Increasing coaching, officiating, and/or next-generation leadership opportunities
- Supporting capacity building for equity work through education and training
Eligible Expense Examples
- Registration costs
- Venue/Space/Court time
- Training/Education fees
- Facilitation/Staffing
- Marketing and communications
- Equipment
- Childcare to support participation in programming
Ineligible Expense Examples
- Individual and/or personal expenses
- Premium or non-essential equipment
- Activities or events not aligned with the grant’s purpose
- Capital projects
Please note that funding cannot be applied retroactively to proposed initiatives.
As part of the federal government’s commitment to achieving gender equality at every level of sport by 2035, and in alignment with the 5 Game.Set. Equity. Pillars, Tennis Canada encourages applicants to consider the following to enhance equitable practices:
- Does your organization have 40% women in leadership within the organization? This includes coaches, staff, and board members, where applicable.
- If you are facilitating programming, is it led by active, certified Tennis Canada instructors? If access to active, certified instructors is limited, what alternative measures are in place to ensure high-quality instruction and participant safety?
- Is your organization interested in running research-based programming for girls in tennis, but unsure where to start? Consider using the Community Tennis Grants funding to host a Girls. Set. Match. Event. For more information, contact your PTTA.
Eligible:
- Previous recipients that are not-for-profit and serve the grassroots community
- Initiatives that focus on long-term impact in the participation, retention, and/or advancement of self-identifying women and girl with a minimum of 70 per cent of funding being directed toward women and girls.
- Initiatives must demonstrate how safety measures (physical, psychological, cultural) will be addressed.
Ineligible:
- Provincial and Territorial Tennis Associations
- For-profit organizations
- Individuals
- Initiatives that focus on the participation, retention, and/or advancement of self-identifying women and girls with a minimum of 70 per cent of funding being directed toward women and girls.
- Examples of eligible initiatives:
- Piloting a new program, or an enhanced previously funded program
- Increasing coaching, officiating, and/or next generation leadership opportunities
- Supporting capacity building for equity work through education and training
Eligible Expense Examples
- Registration costs
- Venue/Space/Court time
- Training/Education fees
- Facilitation/Staffing
- Marketing and communications
- Equipment
- Childcare to support participation in programming
Ineligible Expense Examples
- Single-day events
Please note that funding cannot be applied retroactively to proposed initiatives.
As part of the federal government’s commitment to achieving gender equality at every level of sport by 2035, and in alignment with the 5 Game.Set. Equity. Pillars, Tennis Canada encourages applicants to consider the following to enhance equitable practices:
- Does your organization have 40% women in leadership within the organization? This includes coaches, staff, and board members, where applicable.
- If you are facilitating programming, is it led by active, certified Tennis Canada instructors? If access to active, certified instructors is limited, what alternative measures are in place to ensure high-quality instruction and participant safety?
- Is your organization interested in running research-based programming for girls in tennis, but unsure where to start? Consider using the Community Tennis Grants funding to host a Girls. Set. Match. Event. For more information, contact your PTTA.
SELECTION PROCESS
All applications will be reviewed based on grant criteria aligned with the application prompts by an inclusive volunteer committee. Tennis Canada, National Bank, and the Provincial and Territorial Tennis Associations will collaborate to ensure a comprehensive and well-rounded review process.
Consideration will be given to ensure the inclusion and representation of recipients from across the country and those representing equity-deserving groups. This approach aims to reflect the diversity of the population and to increase access for self-identifying women and girls.
The application process for the 2027 Community Tennis Grants will open early next year.
*Please review the Application Tips for pointers on how to best prepare your application.
APPLICATION TIPS
- Clarity and Detail: Ensure the proposal provides clear and detailed information about the initiative and its direct impact on women and girls. While broad concepts are appreciated, it is important to include a thorough description of planned activities and clearly defined SMART goals.
- Accuracy: Though there are many worthwhile causes and high-risk communities, a minimum of 70 per cent of funding should be directed toward women and girls.
- Budget Justification: Provide a detailed and realistic budget justification to ensure that funding will be meaningful, impactful, and transparent.
- Sustainability: Consider the sustainability of the initiative beyond the grant period. For example, will the funding support the purchase of equipment with long-term usability? How might future costs be mitigated through low-barrier fees or additional funding sources? How does the funding contribute to the initiative’s long-term success? How will the women and girls continue to be engaged after the initiative ends?
- Safety: Safety might look a little different in every community, but it is important to demonstrate thoughtful consideration of physical, psychological, and cultural safety for all involved.
*70% of the funding must go towards supporting self-identifying women and girls.
GRANT RECIPIENTS
Selected recipients will:
- Sign a funding agreement.
- Be given up to 5 complimentary access codes to complete Canadian Women & Sport’s Gender Equity LENS e-module to support continued learning.
- Collaborate with Tennis Canada’s team to share stories about their funded initiatives. Recipients may be profiled through Tennis Canada’s various marketing and communications channels. Recipients will be provided with a social media and branding toolkit.
- Join the Game. Set. Equity. Community of Practice Sessions to network, learn, and share with other funded recipients from across Canada.
- Complete a Funding Report. This report will require program details, such as:
→ How many women and girls were impacted
→ Initiative outcomes
→ Overall impact
PAST RECIPIENTS
1-YEAR GRANT
Ancaster, Ontario
"The Ancaster Tennis Club is rich in its membership with highly qualified and strong women and girls. Many of them are excellent tennis coaches, and an even greater number are industry leaders in their chosen professions. With the help of this grant we plan to use our resources to enrich girls between the ages of 12 and 17 with the necessary tennis, coaching and leadership skills to become difference makers in the community."
Edmonton, Alberta
"Black Girls in Tennis Canada is proud to use this funding to deepen our programming in Edmonton and Winnipeg, creating more opportunities for Black women and girls to access, enjoy, and thrive in tennis. This grant directly supports our mission of building inclusive spaces where our community feels seen, celebrated, and empowered on and off the court."
Rouyn-Noranda, Québec
"Thanks to the Tennis Canada-National Bank grant as part of the Game. Set. Equity. program, the Rouyn-Noranda tennis club can now empower women and girls to discover, play, and love tennis - because tennis is a sport for everyone, and we’re here to demonstrate that with our “Girls Get Enthusiastic” project, with the obvious goal of counting points, but even more importantly, smiles on the courts!"
Toronto, Ontario
"Girls. Set. Match. Tennis ROCKS events have become the marquee one day team tennis girls doubles events. They have proven to foster physical health, build confidence, teach teamwork / leadership skills, and enhance social connections, all of which contribute to each girl's overall well-being and future success."
Laval, Québec
"Tennis is my kind of thing, a project by M25 Laval, in partnership with the organization Sphere de Laval, will offer a marginalized group the chance to get involved in the world of tennis (volunteer, player, official, etc.) in order to attract a new clientele of women and girls or those who identify as such to explore all facets of this sport."
Thunder Bay, Ontario
"Our partnership with Tennis Canada is helping us create meaningful after-hours opportunities for DFC youth, using sport as a pathway to build confidence, connection, and leadership. By establishing a tennis program, we’re creating a safe and empowering space where youth can grow physically, mentally, and socially within their community."
Toronto, Ontario
"As Wheelchair Tennis continues to grow across Ontario, we are extremely appreciative of the support from Tennis Canada and the Game. Set. Equity. Community Grant program. This funding will help us continue to advance gender equity initiatives while strengthening access and development opportunities for athletes across the province. Thank you for your tremendous support."
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
"Open Courts Foundation has a vision and mission to empower youth of all backgrounds to have opportunities to experience the game of tennis. Through Tennis Canada’s Game. Set. Equity. program, the organization will be able to further support and drive the participation and inclusion of girls in Newfoundland and Labrador."
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
"Women in Motion is an equity-focused leadership event that advances participation, representation, and opportunity for women and girls in tennis and sport through athlete and entrepreneur panels, mentorship, Corliss Rassyle as the keynote speaker, and community engagement. By creating visible leadership pathways and meaningful connections within the tennis community, the initiative supports long-term participation, sustainable growth, and gender equity in Saskatchewan."
Scarborough, Ontario
"By leveraging Tennis Canada’s Game. Set. Equity. funding—especially through Community Tennis Grants and the Empowerment Pathway—Scarborough Tennis Federation can expand inclusive programming, support more certified women instructors, increase girls’ participation in our youth and adult leagues, and strengthen community partnerships to ensure equitable access across all of our clubs."
Hamilton, Ontario
"We’re always teaching our girls how to speak up for themselves and advocate for who they are and what they deserve. With role models like Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, and Naomi Osaka showing us what that looks like on and off the court, we’re so excited to bring tennis to our girls as another way to build that confidence and voice."
Bedford, Nova Scotia
"We are incredibly grateful for Tennis Canada’s investment in girls’ and women’s tennis programming and the advancement of women coaches. This funding creates meaningful opportunities to grow participation, strengthen development pathways, and help ensure more women and girls feel empowered, supported, and represented within our sport. We are excited about the positive impact this will have across the Nova Scotia tennis community."
https://novascotia.tenniscanada.com/sobeys-atlantic-tennis-centre/
Fort McMurray, Alberta
"The Rally North Tennis Initiative will create safe, welcoming spaces where women and girls can try something new, build confidence, and feel a true sense of belonging in sport. It’s about growing not just the game of tennis, but stronger, more connected communities."
Stratford, Prince Edward Island
"The Stratford Tennis Club is looking forward to introducing an easy and encouraging way to access the joys and benefits of doubles tennis to women. We believe tennis can be enjoyed and individuals can become hooked on the game at an entry level with a few basic rules, being shown starting positions & intentions, inside a league format."
Moncton, New Brunswick
The "Girls tennis programs have become very popular at Tennis Moncton in recent years. The Game. Set. Equity. funding will help us enhance our Game. Set. Match. program to achieve greater retention of girls and inspire them to become club leader and mentors."
https://www.tennismoncton.ca/moncton/home/rea dPage.do?id=141&history=clear
Montréal, Québec
"As part of the Game. Set. Equity. program, Tennis Montréal is committed to making sport a true driver of equal opportunities for women and girls. We believe that today's athletes are tomorrow's coaches and role models. That's why we've implemented a structured pathway that supports our female athletes from their first job as assistants to coaching and leadership roles. This approach aims to remove barriers to entry, promote retention, and accelerate women's advancement within the sport ecosystem. By investing in their professional and personal development, we are making a tangible contribution to increasing female representation in key positions, while creating a lasting ripple effect within our community. At Tennis Montréal, we believe that a more equitable sporting environment is also a stronger, more inclusive, and more successful one."
Bowmanville, Ontario
"We want to serve up sports programs that are accessible, supportive, and empowering for our community. Through the Her Game, Our Goal – Tennis program, school-aged girls can learn the game, build their skills and confidence in a safe, welcoming environment designed to reduce financial barriers, ensuring they can have fun, stay active, and discover a potential lifelong love of tennis, regardless of family income."
Fredericton, New Brunswick
"The initiative is dedicated to inspiring greater participation and long-term engagement of women and girls in tennis, empowering them to thrive both on and off the court. It strives to cultivate strong, visible female leadership within the UNB tennis ecosystem, creating role models who will shape the future of the sport. At its core, it aims to build a clear and sustainable pathway from youth tennis to the university level, opening doors for the next generation of athletes. Above all, the initiative is committed to advancing equity by aligning with Tennis Canada’s Game. Set. Equity. priorities and championing meaningful, lasting change."
Winnipeg, Manitoba
"WNSA is grateful to receive the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grant from Tennis Canada. This funding will allow us to engage in Tennis in a meaningful way. Specifically, we will engage in Tennis for a 6-8 week period. As a multi-sport organization, we typically participate in a sport for at least 4 weeks. This opportunity is especially important for the girls in our program who thrive in net-based games like Tennis, Volleyball, and Badminton. This is a wonderful chance for our girls to be immersed in a positive, quality, and fun tennis environment."
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
"The Camp for Girls provides girls with a welcoming, all‑female space to learn tennis, build confidence, and develop physical literacy while being mentored by female coaches and leaders. The program supports both participation and long‑term retention, helping strengthen opportunities for girls and women in our community."
2-YEAR GRANT
Ottawa, Ontario
"Team Tennis for women and girls fosters strong connections, creating a sense of belonging and support that builds confidence and deepens their love for the game while contributing to healthier, more engaged communities."
Vancouver, British Colombia
"BCWSA is excited to build on the momentum of our current women & girls wheelchair tennis program – expanding our reach outside the Lower Mainland and introducing more women and girls with a disability to wheelchair tennis through on-going programs, clinics and Have a Go events"
Calgary, Alberta
"This initiative will bring girls and women together to learn tennis in a community of fun with female coaches and volunteers being mentors and role models."
Edmonton, Alberta
"We are incredibly grateful to Tennis Canada for supporting our Empower Her initiative. This funding allows us to create meaningful opportunities for girls and women to engage in tennis, build confidence, and develop leadership skills both on and off the court."
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
"Mahone Bay Tennis Club and Community are pleased to be awarded a two year Community Tennis Grant through Tennis Canada in partnership with National Bank’s Game. Set. Equity. grant.
Mahone Bay Tennis Club wishes to advance equity in tennis by supporting youth girls to play and enjoy tennis and experience personal growth as a result of their involvement in the tennis community. Our goal is to see girls advance as players, competitors and leaders on our community courts and beyond. Our aim is to build an inclusive cohort of girls who, over several years, will be given the opportunity to play tennis and experience personal growth through tennis with like-aged and ability players. We will support their growth and development and offer experiences and skills that build confidence and leadership both on the courts and off. Through this experience and over the years, we wish for girls to want to stay in the sport and enjoy and prosper from the many opportunities tennis has to offer."
Vancouver, British Colombia
"Pathways to Tennis is bringing fully subsidized, on-reserve tennis programs to Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit community members across Musqueam, Squamish, and TsleilWaututh Nations — strengthening local Indigenous communities through play and empowering relationships through sport."
Salmon Arm, British Colombia
"SATC is excited to build the momentum of Year 1! Thank you Tennis Canada for coming alongside our vision of the sport of tennis creating connection, confidence, and opportunity for girls and women. SATC is excited to continue growing pathways to play tennis and create spaces where girls can learn, lead, and thrive both on and off the court."
Sussex, New Brunswick
"We launched our girls in tennis program last year and are so excited to continue serving girls in our communities with this initiative. We know that it is vital we continue to work towards equity in our tennis club, and are grateful to have been given another opportunity to fight for girls in tennis."
Granby, Quebec
"Tennis Granby is proud to receive a grant from the Community Tennis Game. Set. Equity. program for 2026 and 2027. Thanks to this support, we will be able to continue our initiatives to promote women's tennis in the region, including organizing day camps for girls, conferences, and skills clinics for women. Developing women's tennis is a key priority for our organization, and we are pleased to contribute to making this sport even more accessible and inclusive for the women and girls in our community."
Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
"The Corner Brook Tennis Club is thrilled to be receiving a Game. Set. Equity. grant again this year! The funds will help to further promote the inclusion of women and girls in tennis and advance competitive play through targeted programming, community outreach initiatives, and increased coaching capacity. Thank you for this incredible opportunity!"
Québec City, Québec
"Our project aims to introduce girls to tennis and make it accessible, stimulating, and welcoming. By focusing on mentorship and inspiring female role models, particularly through the involvement of our Rouge et Or tennis team, we hope to contribute to a greater presence of women in the sport. The opening of our new tennis center in May marks an important step towards realizing this vision, offering an inclusive environment where everyone can find their place and thrive."
Winnipeg, Manitoba
"Our Love All Tennis initiative empowers girls and young women in our community by providing a clear competitive pathway for aspiring athletes and a supportive environment for university-level training and competition in Manitoba. These opportunities help foster the growth of future female tennis leaders."
Calgary, Alberta
"In partnership with Black Girls in Tennis, we will enhance the visibility of girls/women in tennis and will foster a sense of belonging in this sport."
Edmonton, Alberta
"Edmonton Tennis Community is a proud recipient of the 2025 Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grant. Our initiatives are designed to teach tennis to girls and cultivate confidence and mentorship. By investing in programs created for girls, led by women, we're not just developing better athletes — we're shaping stronger leaders, building community, and paving the way for a more inclusive future in tennis."
Medicine Hat, Alberta
"Our Empower Through Tennis initiative invites girls to learn and play tennis together with certified female instructors, sparking fun, building confidence, and developing skills to thrive in our community."
New Westminster, British Columbia
"Ace Her Future empowers women and girls, especially newcomers in BC, through tennis—breaking down barriers like cost, childcare, and cultural exclusion while building confidence, health, and community. By fostering leadership and inclusivity, we create lasting opportunities for women to thrive in sport and beyond."
Vancouver, British Columbia
“BCWSA is excited to build off the momentum from last year and continue to get more female coaches and athletes with a disability off the sidelines and playing wheelchair tennis through targeted programming and coach education.”
Salmon Arm, British Columbia
"Racquets and Roots offers self-identifying girls 12 and under a tennis camp that fosters physical activity, skill development, and social connections among girls and their caregivers, particularly addressing the unique challenges faced in rural communities. By removing financial barriers and promoting family engagement, we hope to create equitable opportunities for participation, aiming to build confidence, lifelong wellness, and a sense of belonging in the sport of tennis."
Vancouver, British Columbia
"In Vancouver, opportunities for women and girls to experience tennis in a female-led, female-only environment remain limited. This lack of representation can be a barrier to trying the sport or staying engaged with it. By creating an inclusive, inspiring space led by women for women, we aim to break down those barriers—making it easier for more girls and women to pick up a racquet, feel welcomed, and stay in the game."
Winnipeg, Manitoba
"The University of Manitoba is committed to enhancing the visibility and support for women's competitive tennis by implementing training opportunities and providing access to the Prairie Regional inter-university tennis tournament. Our University of Manitoba Tennis Club (UMTC) aims to establish mentorship opportunities with successful female athletes to inspire and encourage the next generation of tennis players."
Winnipeg, Manitoba
"The Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club is excited to accept the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grant presented by Tennis Canada and National Bank, empowering us to host a women’s tournament that fosters participation, builds confidence, and promotes community through sport."
Fredericton, New Brunswick
"EmpowerHer: NWGIT will be dedicated to empowering newcomer women and girls in the greater Fredericton area to learn about and participate in tennis, to build their tennis skills, to thrive, succeed and take on leadership roles in their new home and country. Through providing access to tennis training and resources, cultural integration support, and leadership empowerment opportunities, EmpowerHer; NWGIT will create a more inclusive and vibrant community in which newcomer women and girls receive support to play tennis and to feel valued and empowered to be active leaders in their new community and country."
Sussex, New Brunswick
"Our initiative exists to lift up women and girls in our club, and community of Sussex, New Brunswick. We believe in them, and we are dedicated to providing them resources and an environment which fosters their growth in the sport of tennis."
Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador
"We are thrilled to have been aware the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grant presented by Tennis Canada and National Bank! This funding will enable our organization to invest in female instructor training and facilitate women and girls programming to promote learning, enjoyment and retention. We look forward to putting this funding to great use!"
Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia
"Mahone Bay Tennis Club is honoured to have been selected to receive funding in the form of the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grant presented by Tennis Canada and National Bank. Our commitment to advance girls and women in the sport tennis is one that we are proud of. This funding will support our initiative to create more equitable and impactful opportunities for girls and women on our community tennis courts and beyond."
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
"Our initiatives will increase coaching and provide an opportunity for girls to participate in the Tennis Camp for Girls. Our initiatives will inspire women and girls to embrace tennis, increase the participation, development and retention of women and girls in sport."
Toronto, Ontario
"Hijabi Ballers is all about building confidence, a strong sense of belonging, and leadership among Muslim girls and women in sports. That’s why we’re so excited to bring tennis to our community—a sport that often has numerous gender and racial barriers and has historically been catered to higher socio-economic classes. We’re ready to tackle that—and we’re grateful to be doing it with Tennis Canada! "
https://www.hijabiballers.com/
Cambridge, Ontario
"Tennis is more than just a sport—it’s a vital tool for building mental resilience, confidence, and a sense of belonging. For BIPOC girls who face systemic barriers to wellness, Tennis Canada’s support opens doors to programs where they can develop stress-management skills, build supportive communities, and see themselves represented in every serve and volley. At Afropolitan Canada, we’re removing financial and cultural obstacles through free programming and increased representation, ensuring that tennis becomes a pathway to equity, joy, and lifelong empowerment. We’re deeply grateful to Tennis Canada for helping create spaces where BIPOC girls in the Waterloo Region can thrive both on and off the court.”
Chatham, Ontario
"Every girl deserves the chance to shine on the court. Thanks to a community tennis grant from Tennis Canada and National Bank, CKRecreation (Municipality of Chatham-Kent) is proud to partner with CK Racquet Centre and Children’s Treatment Centre, to deliver Queen of Aces, an accessible tennis program for females ages 10 -20. We want to empower young women to gain confidence, develop essential skills and embrace an active lifestyle. This program is aimed to help break down barriers by providing an inclusive and accessible tennis program for young females who haven’t had the chance to experience the sport before."
Hamilton, Ontario
"We are so thrilled to receive the Game. Set. Equity. Community Tennis Grant, which will be used in support of the McMaster Women's Tennis program through improved training opportunities, funding for equipment, competition costs, and professional development opportunities for coaching staff and players alike. Both the funding and opportunity to work alongside Tennis Canada will be tremendously impactful in strengthening our players as athletes, leaders, and young women. On behalf of the team, thank you to Tennis Canada and our interim head coach, Meghan Mazer for supporting this amazing opportunity."
Ottawa, Ontario
"Ottawa Sport Council (OSC) initiative She’s an ACE - Accelerate Coaching Equity for Females in Tennis will partner with the 25 community tennis clubs to inspire and encourage females who are ready to advance their passion for tennis and become certified Tennis Instructors. This initiative would aim to certify 5 new female coaches through the professional certification pathway of the OTA coaching certification program and advance community tennis clubs in Ottawa with more females and girls on court to continue the belief that there should only be positive experiences in sport."
Hamilton, Ontario
"We’re excited to partner with Tennis Canada and the OTA to host a Girls. Set. Match. event at our facility. This initiative is a powerful opportunity to celebrate and support women and girls in tennis, fostering leadership, confidence, and community through sport."
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
"The goal of this program is to connect three young female coaches so they can be stronger together than working independently. It also connects the young female players in each of their programs, expanding their tennis world beyond the home club and reinforcing their love of tennis by forging new friendships. An essential part of the program is gathering additional mentors for both the coaches and the girls : women with a wide variety of experience to share."
Thunder Bay, Ontario
"Our initiative empowers women and girls in Thunder Bay through a tennis program that builds confidence, leadership, and a sense of community both on and off the court. By providing accessible coaching and mentorship in a supportive local environment, we aim to break down barriers and create lasting opportunities for growth in a space where they are uniquely uplifted."
Hudson, Quebec
"Our program teaches life skills to all children and teenagers who are neurodiverse focusing on empowering girls, eliminating barriers to playing tennis, increasing awareness for autism, and supporting our paid employment for hiring special needs trainers."
Granby, Quebec
"Le Club de Tennis Granby veut faire naître chez les jeunes filles et les femmes le goût du tennis, en leur offrant une occasion unique de s’épanouir à travers le sport et le développement personnel. Pour nous l’encouragement ne suffit pas, nous mettons les moyens et le support à travers des actions concrètes, destinées à toutes les jeunes filles et les femmes de notre communauté."
Laval, Quebec
"Our project aims to introduce tennis and make it accessible and enjoyable for girls. Through mentoring and highlighting inspiring female role models, particularly through the involvement of our Rouge et Or tennis team, we want to make a concrete contribution to strengthening the presence of women and girls in this sport and offer them a place of their own. This goal is deeply important to us and will be reflected in our new tennis centre currently under construction."
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
"Women in Motion celebrates the strength and spirit of women and girls through sport, entrepreneurship, and community connection. By bringing together local leaders in sport, a vibrant market of women-led businesses, and inclusive tennis and badminton play, the event empowers a unique network of women while inspiring the next generation."
Whitehorse, Yukon
"Receiving the Game. Set. Equity. Community Grant is going to allow Tennis Yukon to offer free tennis sessions to low-income women and girls. This camp will provide girls with the environment they need to thrive in a low-pressure group setting and encourage girls to keep playing tennis with each other in the future."
Vancouver, British Columbia
The BC Wheelchair Sports Association plans to use the grant to help people with disabilities access wheelchair tennis programs. It also wants to address gender challenges and provide programming that creates fun, inclusive and safe spaces for women and girls with disabilities so they can not only play tennis but also build social ties with their peers. The association is excited to help grow women’s participation in wheelchair tennis in British Columbia.
Lisa Myers
lisa@bcwheelchairsports.com
Burnaby, British Columbia
With the grant, Burnaby Tennis Club plans to continue to provide girls and women with opportunities to start out in tennis and continue to play in a safe and inclusive environment. The club wants girls and women to discover the sport’s benefits on and off the court and embrace tennis as a lifelong passion.
Jacquie Breadon
breadon@sfu.ca
Mont-Blanc, Quebec
Club de Tennis La Relance is seeking to renew its successful parent-child tennis program with the new mother-daughter and girls programs this year. The club is sensitive to the fact that there were very few sports activities for girls prior to 2015, especially in the rural Laurentians. By including more girls in its activities from a young age, the club aims to inspire the next generations.
Denise Roose
d.roose@sympatico.ca
Edmonton, Alberta
The Edmonton Junior Tennis Society will use the grant to focus on supporting girls and creating leadership opportunities through tennis. The Society’s key focus is the growth of local initiatives in Edmonton, especially for girls. The grant is critical to their development.
Karina Trkulja
execdir@edmontonjuniortennis.com
Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador
The Gander Community Tennis Association aims to expand competitive opportunities for women within formats that make the transition from recreational to competitive tennis more accessible and less daunting. The initiative will increase the number of women players over time. The association is proud to partner with Tennis Canada and National Bank to broaden the pool of girls who play competitively.
Pat Redmond
prd@nl.rogers.com
Toronto, Ontario
The Jane Finch Community Tennis Association plans to offer a women-only space to provide a safe, welcoming and caring environment for women players. The initiative will support the Jane/Finch community and foster the growth of the tennis by overcoming the barriers to participation through a gender equity approach.
Alan Ma
alan@janefinchtennis.ca
Mahone, Nova Scotia
Mahone Bay Tennis Club will use the grant to support its initiative to create more equitable and meaningful opportunities for girls and women on community tennis courts and beyond. Like Tennis Canada and National Bank, through its will and commitment, the club is a proud promoter of girls’ and women’s participation in tennis.
Mary Paula MacEachern
mpmaceachern@me.com
Fredericton, New Brunswick
The Multicultural Association of Fredericton launched the EmpowerHer: NWGIT initiative to help women and girls who are new to the Fredericton area discover tennis, develop their skills, thrive, succeed and take on leadership roles in their new home and country. The grant will enable the association to provide access to tennis lessons, cultural integration support, leadership empowerment opportunities and other resources. EmpowerHer: NWGIT will create a more inclusive and vibrant community in which women and girls who are newcomers receive support to play tennis and feel valued to become active leaders in their new community and country.
Adriana Caporossi
adriana.caporossi@mcaf.nb.ca
North Bay, Ontario
The North Bay Granite Club wants to create a no-cost tennis program specifically for women and girls to make them feel comfortable and welcome. Supporting this unique community of women and girls is one of its most important missions due to the lack of girls’ tennis participation at the club. The association proudly wishes to contribute to growing tennis participation.
Fransua Rachmann
fransua@northbaytennis.com
Kelowna, British Columbia
Okanagan Mission Community Hall plans to develop a girls’ tennis program with a leadership and mentoring aspect. The grant will make it possible to hire certified women instructors to provide female role models in coaching—an important and highly beneficial addition to the association and its program.
Nadia Petryshyn
nadiapetryshyn@hotmail.com
Orangeville, Ontario
The Orangeville Tennis Club would like to use the community funding to support the certification of the club’s women coaches, who will provide motivation and mentorship to the next generation of girls as they begin their journeys into the world of tennis at Orangeville Tennis Club.
Mike Soden
mike_soden@hotmail.com
Edmonton, Alberta
The Orchards Residents Association plans to use the grant to develop tennis programs and help connect the community through friendship and collaboration. The funding will enable the association to provide space, training and equipment so participants can learn to play and feel empowered to have a positive impact on their community.
Jaime Dowling
gm@orchardsra.ca
Edmonton, Alberta
Queen Elizabeth School intends to use the grant to focus on bringing girls together through a tennis club at school. The school will purchase the necessary equipment to provide progressive tennis lessons to a diverse population of young people and introduce young women to tennis. The initiative was created with the aim of making a positive contribution to the community.
Karen Nichols
karen.nichols@epsb.ca
Vancouver, British Columbia
Summer Smash Tennis is committed to creating subsidized tennis programs for Indigenous girls and women from the Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh and Musqueam nations. The goal is to increase the participation of First Nations players in tennis across Canada and create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous participants who identify as women and two-spirit to develop as players and coaches. Above all, the association seeks to promote health, well-being and self-confidence through sport at the community level.
Spencer Mackoff
info@summersmashtennis.ca
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Tennis Manitoba, whose mission is to provide equitable access to tennis for women and girls, plans to expand its mother-daughter program by improving certain aspects of it and breaking down barriers. The grant will greatly assist the association in making the program more accessible and enjoyable for all women across Manitoba.
Mark Ardnt
mark@tennismanitoba.com
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Tennis PEI will use the grant to advance its Girls Leading Girls program, which provides tennis lessons to girls 8 to 12 years old and promotes a more inclusive and enjoyable environment than playing in a mixed environment. The funding will support the program in improving the representation of women in tennis through mentoring. Role models and mentors help girls imagine themselves succeeding in tennis and feel empowered to pursue their athletic goals.
Bob Gallaher
bob.gollaher@gmail.com
Whitehorse, Yukon
Tennis Yukon will use the grant to fund programs designed to reach women and girls, encourage healthy physical and mental well-being and provide a platform to increase self-confidence and engagement.
Stacy Lewis
tennisyukon@gmail.com
Laval, Quebec
Tournoi M25 Laval plans to use the grant to support women’s tennis. The tournament reaches many tennis enthusiasts, making it a unique opportunity and prime showcase to recruit more women and girls from all communities and provide equal access to the sport. In collaboration with Aleksandra Wozniak, the tournament’s honourary chair, several activities on different aspects of tennis will be offered as of June 30.
Marie-Claude Pageau
mcpageau@gmail.com
Truro, Nova Scotia
Truro Tennis Club plans to use the grant to introduce tennis to women and girls who have never had the opportunity to play. With the funding, Truro Tennis Club instructors will have the chance to improve their skills to support wheelchair players, young girls and newcomers who enroll in the club’s tennis programs.
Lorraine MacPherson
crawfordmac@eastlink.ca
Vancouver, British Columbia
The UBC Women’s Tennis Team plans to use the grant to support the women’s tennis team in terms of equipment, court time, training programs, travel and more. The funding will provide the resources needed to develop the members’ athletic and academic potential. It is through this generous support that the team can continue to inspire the next generation of women athletes and promote equity and excellence in tennis.
Jessica Church
jessiechurch@icloud.com
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The University of Manitoba will use the funding to advance the project to create a competitive women’s tennis team. The funding is essential to enable young women to play tennis at the university level and will also increase the number of women players in the province. By establishing a program, the University of Manitoba will give more young women the opportunity to be part of a team and play tennis competitively.
Craig Hillier
umhillie@myumanitoba.ca
Dorval, Quebec
EB Tennis & ModWellness plans to utilize the grant to further their existing programs related to women and girl coach development, women’s competitive wheelchair tennis, pre-competitive girls’ initiatives, as well as beginner, competitive and recreational programs for women. In doing so, they strive to increase the participation, development, and retention of women and girl athletes within their programs, and contribute to their mission of promoting women and girls in tennis.
Kelowna, British Columbia
The Okanagan Junior Aces will utilize this funding to facilitate the participation of girl wheelchair athletes and coaches in training sessions with a BC wheelchair tennis coach who will help them improve their abilities in a supportive, girls-oriented environment.
Truro, Nova Scotia
The Cougar Dome plans to create a new 12-week tennis program that will allow participants to experience the mental and physical health benefits of the sport. The program will include mentor training and preparation, parental participation, and team tennis within a safe and inclusive environment to ensure participants are comfortable during their first experiences playing tennis.
Montreal, Quebec
Triple-A International Center of Culture and Sport plans to utilize the grant to grow “Empowering Her Game” program, which aims to retain women and girl participation in tennis by creating a supportive and inclusive environment for newcomers and immigrants to learn the sport. The funding will allow for the program to inspire women and girls to embrace tennis, develop their skills, and further their passion for the sport.
Toronto, Ontario
Scadding Court Community Centre will utilize the funding to create the Slice Girls Tennis Program, a progressive initiative geared toward low-income girls and gender-diverse people of different backgrounds. This program aims to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for youth to build their self-confidence and improve their physical health and wellbeing through tennis.
Scarborough, Ontario
This grant will allow Change Through Sport’s Blind Tennis program to be more conducive and oriented toward women and girl participants, aspiring to increase the retention and participation of visually impaired participants. Change Through Sport will gather feedback from its participants to alter the design and marketing of their Blind Tennis program to grow and improve this program.
Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Tennis NWT Association’s initiative will support three girls from the Northwestern Territories in obtaining their coaching certification. Tennis in their territory lacks women and girl-specific coaching and programming. In obtaining their certification, these girls will become role models for the next generation of women and girl participants.
Vancouver, British Columbia
The UBC’s Women’s Tennis Team will utilize their grant to provide additional opportunities for women tennis players to continue playing tennis throughout their post-secondary education. As a completely self-funded team, this funding will allow for increased training time as well as more travel, competitions, and participants.
Burnaby, British Columbia
Burnaby Tennis Club will utilize the funding for a new initiative through which they will host multiple tennis sessions for youth girls during the bubble season, removing any participation costs. They aspire to provide the opportunity for non-competitive players to experience the sport in a safe and inclusive environment.
Southampton, Ontario
Southampton Tennis Club will utilize funding to improve their Girls on Court initiative that they launched this past summer. The initiative encourages greater participation in tennis for those who self-identify as girls as they aim to attract and retain girls to encourage lifelong participation and develop more women and girl tennis coaches.
TESTIMONIALS
"Thank you for the amazing Girls on the Court programming that you put on this summer. This was my daughter’s first summer ever to play tennis. The amount of skill that she learned far surpassed her hopes. She was able to watch the Olympics this summer with a real understanding of the game. She is now able to have conversations with others about the game, and she looks forward to the times to play each week. I can’t think of anything that has made her happier all summer. Thank you for your time to grow the love of tennis in these young girls. Sport is so important in the lives of our young girls and they keep playing because of opportunities like this."
– from the parent of a participant at Mahone Bay Tennis Club
“The instructor certification weekend gave me a lot of knowledge about how to run a fun and engaging program. Many of the activities are what I already use in the girl’s program, so it made me feel more confident about my coaching skills. I am working towards improving the play aspect of my certification.”
– JFCTA female participant (who received financial support for the Instructor Course)
“As a result of this grant, four participants were able to partake in the Instructor Course. It is our hope that they will become role models for the next generation of female participants in our community as they highlight the power of sports and the socio-economic benefits of staying in sports! Thank you, Tennis Canada, for supporting access to leadership and coaching development for our female members!”
– JFCTA staff member
“Keep up the good work – let us continue to increase opportunities and possibilities in the future together.”
– Anonymous
"The funding for the UBC Women’s Tennis Team has had a profound impact on our athletes and community. Participants have shared that the financial support has allowed them to focus on their training and competition without worrying about the costs. One player remarked, "The funding for coaching has significantly improved our training quality, enabling us to compete more effectively." The program also brings the community together, fostering school spirit and encouraging involvement from students and alumni who rally behind the team."
– from the UBC Women's Tennis Team Captain
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