Vision for the Future of Rackets in the UK

Rackets is a highly exciting and skilled game. It is steeped in history and tradition. Our vision is to ensure that Rackets flourishes across all levels—from grassroots participation in schools to the elite game, in both the ladies’ and the men’s games. This vision focuses on; broadening access and increasing participation, attracting and retaining top talent, and recruitment and training of new professionals. This vision has been based on feedback from the T&RA Rackets Committee representing players, schools and clubs in the UK, and created in collaboration with the Rackets Professionals Association (RPA), the North American Rackets Association (NARA) and the Rackets World Championship Committee (RWCC).

This paper sets of the Vision for Rackets in the UK, broken down by different stakeholders of the game, outlining what good looks like, and what initiatives the T&RA is doing to support the game.

1. Rackets at Schools

Vision:

To protect and nurture Rackets within school sports programs across the UK. Providing students with the opportunity to learn and enjoy the game, playing safely, inspired by top players, and leaving with the desire to continue playing for years to come. The schools must understand the value proposition of the sport, share in this vision and support the Professional to deliver a high-quality Rackets programme.

What Good Looks Like:

Professional Positions: Each school has a trained and certified Head Rackets Professional.
Assistant Professionals: There are opportunities for new professionals to come into the game training under Head Professionals.
Succession Plans: Each school has a succession plan for Professional that may be likely to retire or leave the game.
Increased Awareness: Students and parents are knowledgeable about Rackets and its benefits.
School investment in Rackets: Each school recognises the value proposition and benefits of having a thriving rackets programme, including the Headmaster, Bursar, Director of Sports, HR and others. They give the Head Professional the support needed to thrive.
Resources: Students have access to quality coaching, facilities (courts), and equipment (racquets, balls, eye protection etc).
School Competitions: Regular intra and inter-school competitions, with showpiece events taking place at Queen’s in the ‘National Schools’ tournament.
Quality players: Each school is producing high quality players that are able to compete in the final rounds of schools’ tournaments, and subsequently British Amateur / British Open events.
Quantity of players: High court utilisation and high number of boys and girls playing rackets, building a community within the school.
Outreach programme: Making courts available to local schools (other state or private schools), universities, and ‘weekend’/ ‘evening’ clubs.

T&RA Initiative Supporting This Vision:

Professional Recruitment: Engagement with schools on recruitment, advertising and shaping the roles of the professionals (typically via T&RA ambassadors, and the IRP programme).
Professional Training: Develop programs to train and certify Rackets Professionals (via the IRP programme). In due course provide training weekends for young / assistant professionals to improve.
Assistant Professional Funding: Provide funding for schools and clubs to employ assistant professionals. (Via the IRP programme)
Schools Events: Support the RPA in running the Nationals Schools and raise awareness through media publications. (Via the T&RA office)
Facility Grants: Provide funding and resources (e.g. technical expertise) to schools for the development of Rackets courts.
Rackets Exhibitions: Running of Rackets exhibitions at each school, raising awareness and inspiring attendees.
Professional Renumeration: Increased funding made available to Professionals as a reward for promoting participation and development of talent.

2. General Participation / Rackets at UK Clubs

Vision:

To make Rackets as accessible as possible, encouraging widespread participation and fostering a love for the game. Maximise court usage, and improving the quality of play in clubs. Create a sense of community and camaraderie in the sport.

What Good Looks Like:

Number of Players: High numbers of Rackets players, contributing to, and enjoying the game.
A thriving U25 game: Addressing a historic issue in the conversion from ‘schools’ to ‘adult’ Rackets.
Access to Tournaments: Availability of events throughout the season for players to play competitively.
Low barriers to playing: Specifically ensuring that the cost of the game, or accessing a court is not cited as a reason to not play the game.
Incentivised professionals: Have professionals motivated and rewarded for increasing participation, developing talent, and maximising court usage.
Increased Accessibility: Increase the availability of Rackets courts available for ‘public use’.

T&RA Initiative Supporting This Vision:

Scholarship (formerly Fellowship) programme and Knott Stephens: Opportunity for players to continue in the support after leaving schools.
Court Access: Weekly courts made available at clubs at no cost to youngsters (e.g. T&RA funds courts at Queen’s for U25s)
Tournament Availability; Noel Bruce, U21, U24 tournaments, Boasters, MGR, CGR, Amateur and Open events.
Equipment subsidies: % rebate of some racquets made available to young players. Racquets provided to Manchester for young and university players.
Young Memberships: Where possible have clubs provide subsidised membership to young Rackets players (e.g. this is done at Queen’s).
Public Facilities: Work with clubs and schools to encourage outreach programmes, this is often done as part of providing a grant for court redevelopment.
Affordable Equipment: Collaboration with equipment manufacturers to make Rackets equipment more affordable (racquets and balls).
Social Media Campaigns: Use social media to share success stories, organize events, and create a sense of community among Rackets players.

3. Ladies Rackets

Vision:

To significantly increase female participation in Rackets, ensuring that women and girls have equal opportunities to play, develop, compete, and excel in the sport. Run a thriving Ladies and Mixed tournament season and build a sense of community within the game.

What Good Looks Like:

Participation: Women have access to Rackets facilities and training programs at both schools and clubs.
Role Models: A visible presence of female Rackets players.
Competitive Opportunities: Regular women’s tournaments and leagues, including mixed events as an opportunity to broaden network of playing partners.
Development Networks: Strong support networks and mentorship programs for female players.

T&RA Initiative Supporting This Vision:

Women’s Programs: Develop programs specifically targeted at encouraging women and girls to take up Rackets – this includes Sunday mornings at Queen’s.
Funding: Offer subsidies and the same availability of funding to the ladies’ game.
Media Coverage: Increase media coverage of women’s Rackets to highlight female athletes and role models.
Mentorship: Establish mentorship programs linking young female players with experienced women in the sport (via creation and running of Ladies Development Squad)

4. The Elite Game

Vision:

To elevate the standard of elite Rackets in the UK, producing world-class players and hosting prestigious tournaments that attract top talent.

What Good Looks Like:

Top UK Players: UK based World Champions and Challengers as a marker for a strong elite game in the UK
Elite Training Programme: Programme dedicated to the development of elite players, including a pathway from Schools Champion to Open Champions.
International Success: UK players competing and succeeding in UK, US and Canadian events.
High-Profile Tournaments: Hosting major Rackets tournaments that draw international participants and audiences.
Professional Support: School and club professionals supporting the recruitment of top talent from their area (from other sports / schools / clubs).
Recognition of Top Talent: Share the success stories of top players, reward them appropriately for reaching the top of the game – as prize money for Professionals, or support in the cost of playing the game for amateurs.

T&RA Initiative Supporting This Vision:

Development Squad: Programme run by top players to bring through the next generation. Includes; coaching, hitting practice, tactics, game management and mental training, season management, personal training, tournament preparation, nutritionist advice etc.
Elite Events: Running of the British Open, Invitational Singles, Manchester Gold Racquet and World Championship events.
International Collaborations: Build relationships with NARA to increase accessibility of events in the US / Canada.
Funding Support: As well as the Development squad, make racquets available for running exhibitions and performing well in events.
Sponsorship and Funding: Secure sponsorship deals and funding to support tournaments, making prizes available and keep the entry costs for events low.
Amateur Status: Updating of Amateur Status rules to encourage external funding coming into the game and making the game cheaper to play for top amateurs.

5. Spectators

Vision:

To delight and grow the spectator base for Rackets, creating a vibrant and engaged community of spectators / fans! who support and celebrate the sport.

What Good Looks Like:

Increased Attendance: High attendance at Rackets events and tournaments.
Engaged Spectators: Active and enthusiastic fan base that follows the sport and participates in community activities.
Online Coverage: Online coverage of Rackets events, including results, live broadcasts and highlights.
Spectator Experience: Enhanced experience at events, providing good value for money on ticketed events.

T&RA Initiative Supporting This Vision:

Marketing Campaigns: Social media marketing campaigns to raise awareness and excitement about Rackets events.
Fan Engagement: Use of social media and digital platforms to engage with spectators/fans, providing regular updates, and high-quality streaming, and insightful commentary during events. In physical events there has been thought given to making an ‘event’ of matches e.g. the relaunched Brown Advisory British Open Doubles.

6. Sponsors

Vision:

To attract and retain sponsors who see the value in supporting the growth and development of Rackets in the UK.

What Good Looks Like:

Strong Partnerships: Long-term financially attractive sponsorship agreements.
Mutual Benefits: Sponsors receive significant brand exposure and engagement with a dedicated audience.
Financial Stability: Sponsorship funds contribute to the development of Rackets at all levels.
Shared Values: Sponsors share the values of promoting community through sport.

T&RA Initiative Supporting This Vision:

Sponsorship Packages: Attracted and retained sponsors for major events including the British Open, Amateur Singles and World Championship (both men’s and ladies’, singles and doubles)
Maintained Relationship: Keep sponsors happy through continual engagement and good relationship management.

Conclusion

The vision for Rackets in the UK is ambitious and inclusive, aiming to nurture the game at every level through to very top of the game. By implementing these initiatives and working collaboratively with schools, professionals, and the Rackets community, we can ensure that Rackets continues to thrive and inspire future generations of players. Through commitment and strategic investment, the UK will maintain its position as the leader in the sport of Rackets, celebrated for its rich tradition and vibrant future.