17 June 2022 | Tennis Victoria

The Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund has today announced a partnership with both Tennis Australia and Tennis Victoria for 2022. Together they will work to provide scholarships valued at $1,000 each to emerging tennis players from low socioeconomic backgrounds throughout the country. The scholarships reduce the costs associated with participation in school sport at a national level, ensuring finances are not a barrier to talent reaching their potential.

Both organisations have become the first national sporting organisations to partner with the SESF in its inaugural year as a national charity. The foundation aims to alleviate part of the financial burden placed on emerging athletes and their families, with the SESF is aiming for 100 scholarship recipients to be participating in the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics in 2032.

The sporting organisations work to create safe, inclusive, and thriving tennis communities across both Victoria and the nation, enabling more people to play more often. In addition, both organisations are heavily involved in organising and running the Australian Open Grand Slam every year.

This partnership solidifies the SESF’s commitment to supporting emerging tennis players from all over Australia, a sport which is known for its regular travel to events.

Danielle Gescheit, Head of Professional Tennis Operations Tennis Australia said, “All of us at Tennis Australia are thrilled to partner with the SESF after their expansion into a national charity”.

“We look forward to working with the SESF to promote positive sporting and financial outcomes for tennis players across the country and supporting them through the foundation to allow them to continue on their sporting pathways”.

Adam Crameri, CEO Tennis Victoria said, “Tennis Victoria is proud to continue their partnership with the Sports Excellence Scholarship Fund”.

“We look forward to continuing to work with SESF and Tennis Australia to support disadvantaged Victorian players and support them on their pathway. Given the cost of participating in the multiple events per year, this is an important partnership that will contribute to equitable access for our emerging talent”.

Andrew Horton, SESF Board Chair said, “We are pleased to partner with both Tennis Australia and Tennis Victoria in 2022. Tennis is an incredibly popular sport nationwide, and this partnership will support emerging talent in achieving their goals”.

“With 1 in 10 athletes selected to represent their state and country facing financial constraints, there is an urgent need to support students to continue to reach their sporting dreams”.