Emirates, in partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation (ATF), today celebrated the impact of its Force for Good tennis program in Adelaide, bringing together 250 primary school students from different backgrounds for an action-packed Gala Day at Tea Tree Gully Tennis Club.
Delivered alongside Tennis SA and led on-court by Head Coach Jason Todd, the four-week school initiative for Year 3 and 4 students was designed to build confidence, health, and social connection. The celebratory Gala Day featured rotational tennis activities, youth wellbeing workshops, and special appearances from Emirates cabin crew and mascots.
Former US Open Doubles Champion Sandon Stolle joined students on court, sharing skills and celebrating their progress over the four-week initiative.
Leonie Brennan, Regional Sales Manager at Emirates, said: “At Emirates, our dedication to South Australia goes far deeper than connecting Adelaide to the world. Force for Good allows us to directly support the local communities we serve by making sport accessible to young people across the state.
“Beyond teaching physical skills, tennis creates vital social connections and boosts mental wellbeing – especially for children who might not otherwise have the chance to play. Witnessing the energy, confidence, and smiles on court today highlights the true value of this program.”
Sandon Stolle, former Davis Cup player and US Open winner and Tennis Australia National Development Squad Coach, South Australia, said: “Getting out on court with the kids and seeing their energy and enthusiasm for tennis was fantastic. It was great to be part of a day that celebrated what programs like Emirates Force for Good can make possible when young people are given the chance to learn new skills, rally together and enjoy being active.”
Vicki Reid, Executive Director of the Australian Tennis Foundation, said: “Entering the second year of our partnership with Emirates, it’s inspiring to see the growing impact of Force for Good across Australia. Working alongside Tennis SA, we are continuing to break down barriers and provide young people in Adelaide with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”
The Adelaide Gala Day is one of 14 projects being delivered across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide under Emirates’ 2026 Force for Good initiative. Now in its second year, the five-year, $2.25 million partnership with the ATF uses tennis to support young people facing disadvantage – including multicultural communities, low-socioeconomic youth, neurodiverse children, and students navigating trauma or disengagement.
Launched in 2025, the program reached more than 2,000 children in its inaugural year, creating over 6,500 opportunities to play across 50+ schools and community courts nationwide. Emirates’ Force for Good program builds on the airline’s ongoing commitment to Australia, where it has invested over $230 million in sponsorships, including the Australian Open. The 2026 program will culminate in January 2027 with a special event at the Australian Open.
