Fiona Dyer and Emma Thomas were awarded by the Cambridgeshire Lawn Tennis Association after founding a Diversity Tennis group in Ely.

The two tennis coaches, from Ely Tennis Club, were awarded the 'Tennis For All' award for their efforts in making tennis "truly inclusive" for everyone. 

Fiona and Emma founded Diversity Tennis back in 2023 for anyone that would like to play tennis at a "gentler pace".

This includes people who are hampered by an injury, who are of an older age, or anyone with a medical condition or mental health problems. Or, anyone who thought their tennis days were far behind them. 

The ladies' work on the Diversity Tennis group earned them the 'Tennis for All' Award for Cambridgeshire. 

They were presented with the award by the national Lawn Tennis Association President, Sandi Proctor.

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Speaking to The Ely Standard, Fiona and Emma said: "This is a tremendous boost for us.

"Having only been operating for just over a year, it's great to get this recognition to prove we are on the right track.

"It's hugely rewarding to be able to help other people find joy from playing tennis.

"We've spent many years working with minority groups in the community, such as LGBTQI+, those with disabilities, neuro-diversity, and socio-economic disadvantage.

"We have some amazing ideas in the pipeline. Watch this space as we continue to provide tennis for absolutely everyone!"

Diversity Tennis holds weekly Walking Tennis and Wheelchair/Walking Tennis sessions at The Hive sports centre in Ely.

The group is a community interest company that relies on donations in order to keep sessions running.

Anyone that would like to help in any way, or anyone who would like more information on the club and what they do can get in touch at: info@diversitytennis.co.uk