LTA’s increased funding for student tennis and padel programmes welcomed by University of Bath
The University of Bath has welcomed a £1.6million increase in funding from the LTA for British university tennis and padel programmes.
The total funding support from 2026 to 2029 represents an increase of 15 per cent from the previous cycle and will be match-funded by universities, unlocking a further £1.6m of investment for university tennis programmes.
The University of Bath provides opportunities for students of all abilities to get involved in tennis, from those using their Student Sports Pass to play recreationally with friends through to high-performing student-athletes training in the University Performance Programme alongside full-time professionals.
Students will also be able to participate in the fast-growing sport of padel, with two covered courts being built within the Team Bath Sports Training Village grounds as part of the development of residential accommodation on campus. These will open by the summer of 2028 at the latest.
Shaun Malcolm, Head of Development Tennis at the University of Bath, said: “LTA funding at Bath will continue to provide participation, workforce and competition opportunities to the 600-plus University of Bath student club members.
“From attracting new players into tennis, competing in BUCS and developing the next generation of British coaches, the LTA’s investment is vital to the growth and impact of University tennis.”
Bath is one of 32 current LTA Partner Universities nationwide, with that number set to increase to 50 by 2029. Partner Universities have become key elements of British tennis, not just in producing players competing on the ATP and WTA Tours but also in developing tennis coaches and administrators, and playing a vital role in facility development.
Find out more about the all-encompassing Team Bath Tennis programme at the University of Bath by visiting teambath.com/tennis.
