North East’s first LGBTQ+ tennis club launches to let people play without prejudice

The North East’s first LGBTQ+ tennis club has officially launched, providing a safe and inclusive environment for people to play without prejudice.

The Geordie Grand Slammers welcomes LQBTQ+ people and allies of all abilities, ages, genders, sexual orientations, races, religions and nationalities.

Sessions take place on Sunday evenings (5:30-7:30pm) at the Northumberland Club in Jesmond.

Dan Rogerson, club chairman, said: “We strive to be as inclusive as possible and break down barriers, whether they are related to gender, sexuality, race, disability or cost and we encourage people to let them know about any barriers they face, so we can work with them to support and help them overcome them so more people can enjoy tennis in the region.”

The two-hour sessions cost £5.50 and include one hour of coaching from Pride in Tennis founder and LTA-approved mentor Ian Pearson-Brown, followed by an hour of friendly matches.

Sean Peacock, 30, from Whitley Bay, heard about Geordie Grand Slammers at Northern Pride last year: ““I’d wanted to take up a sport to stay active and meet new people. Tennis was something I remember enjoying in school but didn’t continue with. I never thought a tennis club was for me, but Geordie Grand Slammers appealed as it explicitly said they welcomed all abilities. The fact that it was specifically LGBTQ+ inclusive also reassured me it would be a supportive environment.

“As a complete novice I was worried that I would struggle to fit in but everyone is so keen to help each other and offer hints and tips to improve my ability. People should come along to a session even if they’re not sure if it’s for them. There’s no ongoing commitment and a lot of fun. I came to my first session in January and I haven’t looked back!”

The final Sunday of each month is tournament week, with each month carrying a theme from LGBTQ+ History Month, from Transgender Day of Visibility, and Bring an Ally.

Matteo Giacchè, 32, who hails from Rome, has been living in Newcastle for two years, and jumped at the chance to pick up his racket again: “I was looking for a place to play tennis after bringing back my racket from Italy. When I found the GGS Facebook group I was struck by the sense of inclusiveness it conveyed.

“When I got in touch, I received fast, kind answers and a warm welcome. All these sensations were confirmed once I joined the first coaching session. Amazing, inclusive people and a nice and relaxed environment.

“The vibes and the people definitely. It’s good to know that every Sunday I can spend two hours playing tennis and having fun. Also, the coach, Ian Pearson-Brown, is very good and his sessions are suited for any level – I’ve learned a lot.”

For more information, visit the Geordie Grand Slammers website here.

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