A NEW club is being launched in a Scots city to encourage LGBTQIA+ people to get involved in tennis as part of Pride Month.
The Dundee Deuces has been set up with an emphasis on improving health and mental wellbeing through exercise for LGBTQIA+ people in the community.
Research has found that members of the LGBTQIA+ community have traditionally found it difficult to find a place in sport, including tennis.
The club is set to host a free welcome event on Saturday 29 June to give potential new members an opportunity to give tennis a go.
Wesley Rennison, Dundee Deuces welfare officer, said: “We are very excited to bring this new and innovative tennis format to Dundee.
“We know through research and experience that LGBTQIA+ people have found it difficult to access tennis and sport in Scotland and we are changing this, thanks to our friends at ISE and the University of Dundee.”
The initiative is being supported by the University of Dundee’s Institute of Sport and Exercise (ISE), which is providing the club with free weekly training sessions on its tennis courts.
Paul McPate, co-director of the ISE, said: “We are delighted to partner with Tennis Scotland in supporting the launch of Dundee Deuces.
“Inclusive and accessible sport very much aligns with the University’s values and we look forward to working alongside Dundee Deuces to grow their participation and engagement.”
The event is also supported by LEAP Sports as part of Festival Fortnight, two weeks of activities aimed at increasing the visibility and participation of LGBTIQIA+ people in Scottish sport.
Munro Stevenson from LEAP Sports, said: “It has been fantastic to welcome Dundee Deuces to the festival for the first time.
“We have loved working with them as they continue to get more of our community playing tennis and getting active.
“They will be joining over 100 events as part of the festival being held all over Scotland.”
The welcome event is open to LGBTQIA+ people and their allies.
Racquets, balls and equipment will all be provided and participants are being asked to wear sensible sports clothing and footwear.
The event takes place from 2-4pm on Saturday 29 June.
