Families across Tees Valley can apply for help with tennis and padel costs through a support scheme designed to make the sports more accessible to children and teenagers.
Tees Valley Tennis Foundation is accepting applications from parents and guardians of young people aged eight to 18 who are finding it difficult to start, continue or progress because of the costs involved. The charity says requests can cover more than just coaching fees, recognising that equipment, travel and competition entry can also make regular participation difficult.
The application route opened in August 2026 and remained open on the Foundation's website when checked on 10 November. It follows a smaller summer pilot carried out with Tennis World and Middlesbrough Padel Club.
Who can apply?
Support is generally intended for young people aged eight to 18 living at a TS postcode address. A particular funding opportunity may set additional geographical . Applicants should already play tennis or padel, or want to begin, and must be able to explain how a financial barrier is affecting their ability to take part.
Applications for children should normally be submitted by a parent or guardian. Families requesting help for more than one young person are asked to complete a separate application for each child.
The Foundation's trustees consider each application individually. does not guarantee an award, and the amount or type of help offered may differ from the original request depending on circumstances and available funding.
What costs could be supported?
The Foundation says it can consider the cost of coaching, organised sessions or participation programmes where that expense is limiting a young person's involvement. Essential tennis or padel equipment may also be considered, alongside reasonable costs for tournaments and competition entry.
Travel is another potential area of support. A family may have access to an affordable coaching place but still face regular transport costs that prevent attendance. The application process allows them to explain those barriers. Parents can also describe another reasonable tennis- or padel-related expense that does not fit one of the named categories.
Trustees take into account the reasonableness of the request, how the proposed support could help the child, whether the eligibility criteria are met and how much funding is available. They may request further information before making a decision.
Building on a local pilot
The organisation tested its approach during summer 2026 by helping fund a limited number of places on a tennis and padel summer camp run with Tennis World and Middlesbrough Padel Club. That specific pilot has ended, but the wider support application route is now open.
The Foundation says its purpose is to reduce the financial barriers that stop young people getting involved or cause them to drop out. Its website also explains how individuals and organisations can support its charitable work.
How to request help
Families can review the eligibility criteria and access the application form on the Tees Valley Tennis Foundation support page. The form asks about the young person's circumstances, the cost creating a barrier and what support is being requested.
Parents should check the Foundation's current guidance before applying. An application is a request for consideration rather than a confirmed , and funding decisions remain with the charity's trustees.
: Tees Valley Tennis Foundation's official support announcement and current application guidance, checked 10 November 2026. Main photograph is a licensed illustrative image of a tennis court in Finland, not a photograph of a Tees Valley venue.