Hundreds of schoolchildren given free entry to Wimbledon qualifiers

Children attended various activities centred around the 100th year of the Championships Qualifying Competition in Roehampton, within Wandsworth.

More than 500 children from six primary schools in Wandsworth were given free learning sessions run by the All England Club’s Learning team.

They also had the chance to watch live tennis matches.

Families enjoy an Early Years session run by the Learning Team at the Wimbledon Qualifying and Community Sports Centre, Roehampton (Image: Charlie Kent) A photography exhibition by the Wimbledon Foundation – the club’s charity – titled Champions of Merton and Wandsworth, was also displayed at the Qualifying Competition.

This exhibition celebrated individuals who make a difference in their local communities.

The Wimbledon Foundation has invited community arts projects in Wandsworth to apply for grants of up to £10,000.

Children from Wandsworth primary schools watch players warming up at The Championships Qualifying Competition in Roehampton (Image: Charlie Kent) The projects must improve the quality of life through culture, contribute towards enhanced health and wellbeing, provide access to employment, skills and learning opportunities, and encourage community participation and celebration.

So far, more than £125,000 has been awarded to 15 Wandsworth-based projects.

Councillor Kemi Akinola said: “We are grateful to the All England Club and the Wimbledon Foundation for the different ways in which they have supported community arts during our year as London Borough of Culture.”

Justine Simons OBE, deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, said: “It’s wonderful that the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the Wimbledon Foundation are supporting Wandsworth in their year as the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture.”

Ulrika Hogberg, AELTC head of community strategy, said: “Supporting and strengthening our local community is incredibly important to us and we’re delighted to have been able to use the collective strength of Wimbledon to support Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture Year in a variety of ways.”

As well as their support for the community arts projects, the All England Club has made a financial contribution to the Southfields Business Forum and has donated 500 Championships tickets to refugees supported by Wandsworth charities.