Year: 2023
Passion
Sport has the power to transform lives- building confidence, discipline and opportunity, while creating pathways that extend far beyond the court. For young people in emerging sporting nations, access to structured programmes and international competition can be life-changing, opening doors to education, careers and global connections.
Developing sport at this level is about more than participation- it requires investment, infrastructure and international recognition to create sustainable pathways for talent to progress and thrive.
Action
In 2023, Adderstone Foundation Founder Ian Baggett was appointed Honorary Chair Ambassador for Zambia Tennis, supporting the organisation’s strategic development and international positioning.
Through a Foundation donation of over £11,500, Zambia was able to re-secure membership with the International Tennis Federation (ITF)- a critical step in aligning the organisation with global standards and unlocking access to international competition.
This work forms part of a broader commitment alongside partners including Sport in Action and Volunteer Zambia, focused on strengthening tennis development from grassroots through to professional level.
Impact
Reinstating ITF membership represents a significant milestone for tennis in Zambia. It enables players to compete in internationally recognised tournaments, gain ranking points and access pathways previously out of reach.
Beyond elite competition, this achievement strengthens the entire tennis ecosystem- supporting coaching standards, programme development and increased participation at grassroots level.
By combining targeted funding with long-term partnerships, this initiative is helping to build a sustainable future for tennis in Zambia, creating opportunities for the next generation of athletes to develop, compete and succeed on the global stage.
