Children in Tennyson swapped classrooms for tennis courts, as Emirates’ new Force for Good program delivered its first Schools Future Fit event at Pat Rafter Arena, giving 250 primary students from disadvantaged and multicultural backgrounds a chance to learn the game while building fitness and social connection.
A local start with a national reach
The Tennyson gathering on 4 September was one of 11 community initiatives funded by Emirates this year under its five-year, $2.25 million commitment to grassroots tennis in Australia.
The program, created in partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation, aims to reach around 3,000 children in 2025 across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. Organisers expect more than 60 schools and clubs will take part, giving kids over 10,000 opportunities to play.
Community at the centre
The Schools Future Fit Program, delivered by Youth of Tomorrow, included tennis coaching, introductory Pop and Pickleball sessions and workshops on mental health. Students also took home tennis gear and mementos from the day. Organisers described the initiative as a way to break down barriers and provide children with both sport and wellbeing support in a fun environment.
Role models on court
Australian tennis player John Millman, an ambassador for the foundation, joined the event in Tennyson to run coaching sessions. He said the experience showed how tennis could bring people together and give young people a sense of belonging. Emirates staff and mascots were also present, adding to the community atmosphere.
Investment in Australia
Emirates regional manager Dean Cleaver said the airline wanted its relationship with Australia to extend beyond flights, pointing to its history of backing the Australian Open. The Force for Good program, he explained, was about giving children chances they might not otherwise have—building sporting skills while supporting mental and physical wellbeing.
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