CELEBRATING 25yrsThe story so far...
Ben Jackson & Ben White
Having been born a day apart in 1973 Ben and Ben went on to meet on their first day of senior school. Without realising they booked onto the same tennis coaching course in 1991 and started coaching in London parks in 1996. By 1998 they were both level 4 qualified LTA coaches.
All Star Tennis is founded
Ben and Ben founded All Star Tennis in 1999 whilst coaching on Wandsworth Common. A few years later they jetted off on the first ever All Star Tennis holiday. In 2002 they were fortunate to be granted a 1-year lease to manage Wandsworth Common that was later extended for a following 5 years.
Community values
A sense of community and connectedness has always played a central role in All Star Tennis and this has stretched far beyond the borough of Wandsworth. In 2005 & 2006, in response to the Tsunami in Sri Lanka, All Star Tennis travelled to the affected area, raising funds and delivering tennis coaching and resources to support the local community. 2005 was also the year Rob - now head coach joined the team!
The All Star Trust
Further harnessing the power of the community in 2007 The All Star Tennis Trust was founded by a group of players. The journey began with a vision to offer children the same life-changing experiences the players had benefited from. Today the Trust's work encompasses a school's outreach programme, breakfast clubs and performance player support.
Awards, awards, awards
Having been awarded Beacon Status and becoming LTA Clubmark accredited in 2009 & 2010. 2012, saw yet another award as Wandsworths Sports Organisation of the year. It was also the year All Star Tennis teamed up with Will to Win - another park sports operator now referred to as Park Sports. In 2012 All Star Tennis also ran one of the first ever Cardio Tennis sessions in collaboration with the LTA.
Branching out
In 2013, we were fortunate to be awarded a 25-year lease to manage 6 locations across Wandsworth. Our team expanded including many familiar faces you still see around the courts today including Maria, Matt, Jay & Kat.
2013 also saw us launch online court booking and be visited by Leon Smith following Murray’s first Wimbledon title.
Collaboration
Over the next few years, All Star Tennis had the privilege of collaborating with local design studio studioh to craft a fresh, dynamic logo and establish the current All Star brand you see today. We also partnered with the LTA and Nike to introduce Tennis Tuesdays, became one of the pioneering venues to launch a league with the Local Tennis Leagues, secured a gold level sponsorship agreement with Head Tennis, resurfaced the courts at Wandsworth Common, and, last but certainly not least, successfully raised funds to install defibrillators at four different locations.
New courts and floodlights!
By 2019 we were delighted to have competed the resurfacing of all 28 courts across Wandsworth and have introduced floodlights at King Georges Park!
Lockdown
2020 was a huge roller coaster but we are so grateful for the role we were able to play when tennis was allowed to reopen. The joy it brought to everyone to be back on court is something that will stay with us forever and reaffirmed our belief that tennis can change lives. We continue to strive to create experiences that make every day a little brighter.
Celebrating 25yrs
Our 25th anniversary year has got off to a flying start with the approval of 2 Padel courts. We cannot wait to bring this to the Wandsworth community and look forward to spending many more years on court with you all.
Submit your favourite memory
We are well aware that the list above is just a snapshot of the All Star story and that it is nothing without the amazing community and players that make it what it is! For that words cant express how truly grateful we are! So we would love to hear from you. What experiences, memories or moments have stood out to you?
Click the button to submit your memory or email [email protected]
