Established in 2022, the Geordie Grand Slammers are the only inclusivity based tennis group in the North East. Inspired by the ‘Pride in Tennis’ movement, the Geordie Grand Slammers strive to overcome and break down barriers that diverse individuals live with everyday in the hopes of spreading self-love and love for tennis. With similar groups in areas such as Cardiff, London, and Brighton - the chair of the Grand Slammers Dan saw an opportunity to grow inclusivity within the sporting community and now the tennis group repeatedly sell-out sessions. When sitting down with members Dan and Bas, it was clear that the existence of the Geordie Grand Slammers was based purely on passion, one thing they both had no trouble providing.
“They brought back my enjoyment for tennis” said Dan, explaining that while he had played since the age of 3 the struggles of inclusivity in sport wore out his relationship with it. When reflecting on the motivations to join an inclusive based sports team rather than a ‘mainstream’ team both members concluded that the equal-mindedness of the group was part of the enjoyment. Bas explained that there is “no hypersexual nature” within the group, linking this to an overwhelming sense of safety and confidence within himself.
With an inclusive based approach aiming for self-love, it was no surprise to learn of the impacts that the Geordie Grand Slammers have on identity expression. Confidence aside, being able to experience “diversity within a diverse group” as Dan expressed it, has helped both members in improving their inclusion. As Dan has grown to be more comfortable with calling other people out on their mistakes in relation to diversity, Bas explained that the Geordie Grand Slammers have “helped me improve my own ignorance”. While nobody is perfect, the group works hard to promote equity within the sporting world, helping people to grow more appreciative of new or otherwise overlooked experiences. Promoting equity as their approach over equality, everyday the group recognizes that each person has different circumstances and continues to provide the appropriate opportunities and support in aid of inclusivity.
“Why don’t they [people from diverse cultures] just join a normal team?” mimicked Dan, as he discussed the stereotypes inclusive teams face within the greater sporting world. Simply, “If they felt safe enough, they would” was his response. Sport is already struggling, and while it may seem challenging; there are things ‘mainstream’ sports teams can do to push for equity and inclusivity. “It is so much more than putting up a flag” they both claimed, however, sometimes it is as simple as speaking to people. Diverse athletes and sports club boards share one common denominator: fear. Fear of stepping out of line and fear of the unknown. However, having those conversations in order to break down barriers reduces a lot of fear. As such, the Grand Slammer's have taken part in Hexham's first silent neurodivergent friendly pride event.
Like all athletes, sport has a lifelong impact on a person’s life external to clubs and teams. Bas joked that “it has made me nicer”, but there is sincerity to that; working with all disabilities and cultures provides a new sense of patience which has become vital to his role as a lecturer. The importance of inclusive safe spaces in sport can be summarised down into one final quote from Dan “It’s about looking forward to playing tennis and looking forward to appreciating people’s minds”. Ultimately, inclusivity is about everybody and teams like the Geordie Grand Slammers are here to teach people how to promote equity both in and out of sport.
