Laver Cup partnership delivers lasting community impact
• 3 minute read
The LTA Tennis Foundation's partnership with the Laver Cup has helped raise almost £60,000 to improve lives through tennis, while providing more than 2,000 tickets for community groups, supporters and beneficiaries to experience one of the sport's biggest events.
As one of the most exciting team events in the sport, the Laver Cup brought together some of the world's biggest tennis stars and thousands of fans across an unforgettable three days of competition. Through the collaboration, the event not only showcased world-class tennis but also generated vital funds to support the LTA Tennis Foundation's work.
Funds were raised through a series of initiatives across the weekend, including ticket sales from Practice Day presented by FICO, a fan prize draw featuring signed memorabilia and exclusive Laver Cup merchandise, and FICO's commitment to donate £50 for every winner. Together, these activities generated almost £60,000 to support the LTA Tennis Foundation's work.
Funding will support the charity's grant-making programme, which has already positively impacted more than 34,000 people, alongside investment in Rally Together London, a three-year programme delivered in collaboration with the Mayor of London and the LTA designed to open tennis up to more young people and communities across the capital.
Over the next three years, Rally Together London aims to introduce 5,500 young people to tennis while recruiting and training 250 volunteers, activators, coaches and community leaders from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly women. The programme will create opportunities both on and off the court while helping to build a tennis workforce that better reflects the diversity of London.
Bringing the Laver Cup closer to communities
Beyond the fundraising impact, the partnership helped bring world-class tennis closer to communities the LTA Tennis Foundation and the LTA support. More than 2,000 tickets were distributed to community groups, delivery partners, supporters and beneficiaries, offering access to Practice Day and live competition sessions at The O2.
Guests enjoyed watching Team Europe and Team World prepare for competition, giving them a unique opportunity to see some of the world's best players up close.
Danielle from the Ripple Project, an LTA Tennis Foundation grant funded partner who travelled down from Edinburgh, said: "Our group thoroughly enjoyed our time and experience at the Laver Cup. The young people particularly enjoyed the hands-on activities and atmosphere in the Fan Zone beforehand, which added to the excitement and made the day even more memorable. Everyone had an amazing time while learning more about tennis, the players and the Laver Cup as an event, making it a really positive and memorable experience for everyone involved".
Elle Deakin-Price, a member of the Support Squad with Community Integrated Care said: “Attending the Laver Cup practice day with the LTA Tennis Foundation was amazing. It was my first time visiting The O2, and I couldn’t believe how many tennis stars we got to see up close. It was really special to share the experience with so many other people from Community Integrated Care. I loved how inclusive the whole day was - seeing so many different community groups and age groups all coming together. Thank you to the LTA Tennis Foundation for helping to open up tennis to me, and so many other people.”
As part of the experience, two young people were invited courtside during a team changeover to speak with Nikhil Behl, President, Software at FICO, about the impact of the company's donation. Gabi, who plays tennis in school with LTA Tennis Foundation funded partner Greenhouse Sports, said: "It was so cool getting to go behind the scenes at the Laver Cup and then sit courtside. It was an amazing experience being so close to the players."
Being able to sit so close to the players and just seeing the court, the lights and everything going on around us was so exciting. It’s definitely something I’ll remember!
Vivien, who is a Rally Together London Trainee, added: "It was honestly such an amazing experience. I’ve watched tennis before, but actually being there and seeing everything happening right in front of you felt completely different. Being able to sit so close to the players and just seeing the court, the lights and everything going on around us was so exciting. It’s definitely something I’ll remember, especially being able to experience the atmosphere of the Laver Cup from so close to the action.”
Nikhil Behl, FICO Software President said: “FICO was honored to be the presenting sponsor of Open Practice Day and support Laver Cup London. We are committed to creating opportunity for young people on and off the court. That means showing them how the discipline they build in tennis carries into every decision they make in life - financial, personal and professional.”
Reflecting on the partnership, Tom Gibbins, Head of Foundation Development at the LTA Tennis Foundation, said: "The Laver Cup has been an incredible experience. We’re hugely grateful to the team for choosing to support the LTA Tennis Foundation again and helping to create a lasting legacy in the community through our work. The funds raised will make a meaningful difference to people’s lives for many years to come. It was also fantastic to welcome so many groups to the Open Practice, giving them the chance to experience world-class tennis up close. The inspiration and memories created through opportunities like this can have a lasting impact long after the event itself."
Chris Barredo, VP, Marketing & Communications for Laver Cup, said: “Laver Cup London was about far more than just three days of world-class team tennis. The support of our fans, our partner FICO and the wider community has helped raise vital funds for the LTA Tennis Foundation, supporting its work to make tennis more accessible, inclusive and welcoming. We are grateful to everyone who contributed and proud that the Laver Cup legacy will continue long after the final ball was struck.”
