Covid-19 Updates
Despite the LTA and tennis community making a strong case to Government, we can confirm that the new restrictions mean that tennis activity in England is not permitted for the duration of the national lockdown, as a result of the closure of all outdoor and indoor facilities.
UPDATE: Lockdown restictions
The Government has announced new national restrictions for England between Thursday 5 November – Wednesday 2 December.
Despite the LTA and tennis community making a strong case to Government, we can confirm that the new restrictions mean that tennis activity in England is not permitted for the duration of the national lockdown, as a result of the closure of all outdoor and indoor facilities. The only exceptions to this are for elite tennis players, and for tennis activity in schools, colleges and other educational establishments as part of education.
Whilst we are disappointed with the outcome, we must urge all involved with tennis in England to adhere to the decision that the Government has taken.
We know these restrictions will have a significant impact on the whole tennis community, and our focus now will switch to campaigning to ensure that as much grassroots tennis activity as possible can resume as soon as possible, including both indoor and outdoor tennis.
LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd has today (4 November) provided a more detailed update on the latest coronavirus restrictions in England – read it via the link below:
FAQs
We have now published a list of FAQs relating to the new lockdown restricitons in England.
These FAQs provide further guidance and information, including covering:
- How to contact your MP
- Funding & support for venues, coaches and coaching organisations (further info below)
- Coaching in schools
- Use of venue courts by schools
- Coach Accreditation
- Coaching on a private court
- Playing on a private court
- LTA Youth training
- Club Forum webinars
- Venue Registration
Further FAQs will be added shortly covering elite players, and coaching in public spaces. Additional guidance is also provided on the Sport England website.
Funding & Support
Sport England funding for tennis venues
Sport England have reopened their £16.5 million Return to Play: Small Grants fund to refocus on helping groups, clubs and people who deliver sport and physical activity through the additional challenges that this period of national restrictions will bring. They have also made important changes to the criteria to ensure they are giving the right help at this time.
Their two other coronavirus-related funds, Return to Play: Community Asset Fund and Return to Play: Active Together, are also open for applications.
Separately, Sport England are also working closely with Government on a package of support for sports, following the £100m of government support to leisure operators.
To find out more about the Sport England funding options and how to apply, visit the link below:
Government Support
The following support is available from Government for businesses impacted by the national restrictions:
- Coronavirus Jobs Retention Scheme
- Self Employed Income Support Scheme
- Financial support for businesses
Local Authority Grants
Businesses required to close in England due to local or national restrictions will also be eligible for the grants, to be delivered through local authorities, which will vary depending on a property’s rateable value.
Tennis at Home
We have a dedicated online hub – Tennis at Home – where you can find a host of support and advice to keep active, healthy and entertained at home, before we can return to on-court play. From LTA Youth coaching and educational content to keep children and families busy, to fitness, physio and yoga programmes to support your physical and mental wellbeing whilst working from home:
