GARETH RICHMAN, VAL TURNER AND PENNY MOOR COUNTINUE TO GROW OUR SCHOOL NETWORKS

News and Stories by Nino Severino

March has been an exciting and rewarding month for all of us at the Elena Baltacha Foundation, particularly as we continue to expand the reach and impact of our tennis roadshows across London and beyond. As I reflect on the progress we’ve made, I feel a strong sense of pride, not only in the scale of what we are achieving but also in the people who are driving this work forward with such passion, consistency, and purpose.

This month has felt especially significant because it has demonstrated, in very tangible ways, how established programmes can evolve when the right people are in place and when there is a shared commitment to long-term impact rather than short-term outputs. The Foundation has always been rooted in the belief that tennis can be a powerful vehicle for personal development, and March has reinforced just how effectively that belief is being translated into practice on the ground.

A central figure in our London delivery is Gareth Richman, who leads our network across the capital with exceptional energy and commitment. Since joining the Foundation, Gareth has already delivered our programmes to thousands of London-based pupils, a remarkable achievement in such a short period of time. That scale of engagement is not simply a reflection of efficiency; it is a reflection of trust built with schools, consistency in delivery, and the ability to make every session feel meaningful, regardless of group size or setting.

What continues to stand out about Gareth’s work is not just the volume of delivery but the quality of connection he establishes with young people. He has an instinctive understanding of how to meet children where they are, both in terms of confidence and ability, and how to gently guide them towards greater self-belief. In many cases, these sessions are the first time pupils have engaged with tennis in a structured environment, and Gareth ensures that this first experience is a positive and inclusive one.

His sessions are far more than just tennis coaching. They are carefully shaped environments where movement, learning, and enjoyment intersect. Children are encouraged to take risks in a safe space, to learn from mistakes, and to understand that improvement is a gradual process. These are subtle but powerful messages that extend far beyond sport. They contribute to a broader sense of resilience and personal agency, helping children to approach challenges with a more constructive mindset.

Whether introducing a racket to a complete beginner or supporting a more experienced player in refining technique and decision-making, Gareth brings the same level of attention and enthusiasm. His ability to maintain high energy while still offering individualized support within group settings is a key reason why his sessions resonate so strongly with both pupils and teachers. Feedback from schools consistently highlights how engaged children remain throughout and how eager they are to participate again.

It is no surprise that Gareth is so highly valued by the Elena Baltacha Foundation Board of Trustees. His contribution goes well beyond programme delivery; he actively embodies the ethos of the Foundation in a way that feels both authentic and sustainable. The legacy of Elena Baltacha is one grounded in perseverance, positivity, and a deep love of the game, and Gareth’s work carries those values forward in a way that feels very aligned with that spirit.

We are also incredibly fortunate to have the continued involvement of Penny Moor, one of our trustees and a founding member of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). Penny’s presence at our school visits adds a unique and invaluable dimension to the roadshows. Whenever she is in London, she makes time to attend sessions alongside Gareth, offering support and engaging directly with pupils in a way that leaves a lasting impression.

Penny brings with her a wealth of lived experience from her time as a professional tennis player competing on the WTA Tour. However, what makes her contribution particularly powerful is not just her background but her ability to translate that experience into something meaningful for young people. Her stories are not presented as distant achievements; they are shared in a way that feels accessible and relevant. She speaks about effort, setbacks, discipline, and perseverance in terms that children can understand and relate to.

For many pupils, meeting someone who has competed at the highest level of the sport is both inspiring and eye-opening. It broadens their perception of what is possible and helps to challenge assumptions about who can succeed in sport. Penny has a natural ability to create moments of quiet impact during sessions, where a simple comment or encouragement can shift a child’s self-perception in a positive direction.

The partnership between Gareth and Penny is something truly special within our London programme. Their styles are different but highly complementary. Gareth brings structure, momentum, and high-energy engagement, while Penny offers reflection, perspective, and calm authority. Together, they create a balanced environment where children can both enjoy themselves and absorb deeper lessons about sport and life.

This combination is particularly effective in mixed-ability groups, where confidence levels can vary widely. Gareth ensures that no child is left behind in terms of participation, while Penny often works more closely with individuals or small groups to reinforce positive behaviours and provide encouragement at key moments. The result is a session structure that feels both dynamic and supportive.

As a result of this strong delivery team, our London-based roadshows continue to grow at an accelerated rate. Demand from schools is increasing steadily, and we are now reaching more communities than ever before. This growth is not simply about numbers; it is about reach, inclusion, and the ability to provide consistent access to quality sporting experiences in areas where opportunities may otherwise be limited.

The benefits for the children involved are wide-ranging. Physically, they are developing coordination, balance, agility, and overall fitness. These are foundational skills that support not only tennis but broader physical development. Mentally, they are learning how to focus, how to manage frustration, and how to recognise progress over time. Socially, they are engaging in structured group activity that encourages cooperation, communication, and mutual respect.

What stands out most consistently, however, is the emotional impact of the sessions. There is a genuine sense of enjoyment and excitement that runs through the delivery. Gareth’s enthusiasm is highly infectious, and it helps to create an atmosphere where participation feels natural rather than forced. When combined with Penny’s presence, which often adds a sense of occasion and inspiration, the sessions become memorable experiences rather than routine school activities.

While London continues to thrive, it is equally important to recognise the outstanding work taking place in other regions. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude, on behalf of both myself and the Board of Trustees, to Val Turner, who leads our Suffolk and Essex network of schools.

Val has played a crucial role in establishing and strengthening our presence across these counties. Her work has focused not only on expanding reach but also on ensuring consistency and quality across all sessions. She has built strong relationships with schools, supported programme logistics, and helped embed the Foundation’s values into every aspect of local delivery.

Her dedication, organisation, and commitment to the programme have been instrumental in its success. Importantly, Val’s approach mirrors the ethos we strive for across the Foundation: that every child, regardless of background or ability, should have access to positive, high-quality sporting experiences that support their broader development.

Val’s work is further strengthened by the continued involvement of Penny Moor, who also visits Suffolk and Essex when engaged in Foundation activities and meetings. During these visits, Penny actively supports delivery alongside Val, contributing both on and off court. This continuity across regions is particularly valuable, as it ensures that children experience a consistent standard of engagement and inspiration, regardless of location.

Looking ahead, there is a great deal to be excited about. The momentum we are building in London, Suffolk, and Essex provides a strong and stable foundation for future expansion. We remain committed to reaching more young people, deepening our impact within existing schools, and continuing to refine and improve our delivery model.

Above all, March has reinforced what makes the Elena Baltacha Foundation so distinctive: the people. From Gareth’s tireless commitment in London, to Penny’s ongoing inspiration and support, to Val’s dedicated leadership in Suffolk and Essex, it is the collective effort of individuals working towards a shared purpose that enables us to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young people.

For that, I am deeply thankful and genuinely encouraged by what lies ahead.