Join us for Australia’s Largest Tennis Rally for Mental Health
It’s “Love All” when you join RALLY4EVER!
It began when an Australian tennis great met a homeless man whose love for the game matched her own.
It developed into a three-year friendship and an ABC TV Australian Story called “Bouncing Back” which told how their weekly tennis matches lead to a life-changing transformation.
Now tennis commentator and high performance coach Louise Pleming is helping others through a program where tennis clubs all over Australia offer free tennis sessions to those in need.
Inspired by the positive changes in her homeless friend Brian - who she met by chance in Kings Cross – Louise says aim of the program is to help those struggling with mental issues or feelings of isolation.
She is calling on tennis clubs all over Australia to join RALLY4EVER, Australia’s largest tennis rally on January 15 and 16 in the lead up to the 2022 Australian Open. Tennis clubs will offer one coach on one court for one hour during the event.
The program aims to not only get people moving again, but also to create social connections and long term friendships.
“We are breaking down barriers and connecting everyone in our community through the wonderful game of tennis,” says Louise who is a former WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) player.
“People from all walks of life join the program and no one judges. We’ve young people who’ve had major breakdowns; older people who are lonely and feel isolated, the homeless and at-risk youth on the street.
“The RALLY4EVER program gives them the opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends which motivates them to keep coming back each week after they started playing regularly.”
RALLY4EVER already has a number of tennis and exercise programs running in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia, but Louise is hopeful other clubs will not only be inspired to join the rally on January 15/16, but also continue the one hour free weekly community sessions throughout the year.
“Our aim is to offer a fun tennis experience for everyone,” she says.
“We want to create a stress-free time for everyone on court and hopefully it continues into the day and week.
“We provide a safe place to have fun and connect through movement and it’s amazing to see our community members lift each other up and come back again in the next week.”
For media enquiries please contact: Louise Pleming
Founder louise@rally4ever.org M 0408 232 244