Beyond the Baseline is a targeted mentoring and leadership programme that uses tennis as a vehicle to support young people who are disengaged or at risk of underachievement. Through inspirational role models, structured skill development and pupil-led projects, the programme builds confidence, resilience and employability skills.

Funded by the Lawn Tennis Association, the programme is designed for schools seeking to strengthen belonging and aspiration. Beyond the Baseline supports young people to reconnect with learning, recognise their potential and contribute positively to their school community.

How it Works

Beyond the Baseline combines sport, mentoring and leadership in a structured, supported model.

Schools:

• Identify a group of pupils who would benefit most from targeted support
• Are matched with a trained Tennis Mentor – often a former or current professional player
• Receive a series of mentor-led visits combining practical tennis sessions and classroom-based workshops
• Support pupils to explore personal, social, creative and thinking skills linked to employability
• Enable pupils to plan and deliver a tennis or leadership project within their school or local community.

The programme balances inspiration with practical skill development, ensuring pupils not only feel motivated, but are equipped with the tools to succeed.

Impact and Benefits

Beyond the Baseline enriches school culture by creating a visible commitment to aspiration, inclusion and personal growth.

Impact on Young People

• 100% reported feeling confident taking part in sport or physical activity
• 100% experienced enjoyment during activity
• 97% reported improved happiness
• 93% felt more connected to others
• 93% reported increased resilience.

Schools report improvements in confidence, engagement and peer relationships. Pupils develop leadership skills, experience positive role models and gain a stronger sense of belonging.

What Schools Say

“Beyond the Baseline is an amazing project that has massively benefitted our student sports leaders as well as our pupils who participated. It allowed more disengaged students to enjoy sport and develop their social and creative skills.”

“A great project which engages new students with sports leadership and creates opportunities to contribute to their school community.”

“Students thoroughly enjoyed the programme. We were impressed with their engagement and growth in confidence.”

Case Study: Thetford Academy

Ways to Access

Beyond the Baseline is delivered in partnership with schools through a supported mentoring model.

Schools can:

• Register interest in joining a future cohort
• Access mentor-led, in-person delivery
• Receive structured resources and guidance to support pupil leadership
• Availability may vary depending on partnership funding and regional delivery capacity.

For full details on current opportunities, please contact the programme team.

Why it Matters

Many young people face barriers that affect their confidence, sense of belonging and future aspirations.

• 1 in 4 children do not feel that they belong at school
• Only 47% of children and young people meet recommended daily physical activity guidelines
• 39% of young people recognise leadership as important to future employment
• 74% of parents believe sport and play support mental wellbeing.

Sport and trusted role models can play a powerful role in re-engaging young people. Beyond the Baseline harnesses the credibility of professional tennis mentors to inspire ambition, build resilience and create meaningful connections within school communities.