Do Children Want to Play Tennis? What Research in Ukraine Revealed

Children’s interest in sport is a key factor in the development of any athletic discipline. Attitudes toward physical activity, regular training, and potential sports pathways are formed at an early age. Research conducted by the Marta Kostyuk Foundation in partnership with the research company Gradus made it possible to assess the position of tennis among other sports in the perceptions of Ukrainian schoolchildren. Survey results show that tennis consistently ranks among the most desired sports for children and teenagers.

Every Third Child in Ukraine Wants to Play Tennis

According to the results of an anonymous survey, one in three schoolchildren in Ukraine would like to play tennis. This is the highest figure among all individual sports included in the research. Tennis proved to be appealing to both younger and older students, highlighting its broad relevance across age groups.

Interest in tennis often develops during the school years, but the ability to pursue it depends on access to clubs, qualified coaches, and appropriate training conditions.

Interest in Tennis Among Boys and Girls

The research showed that interest in tennis is almost equal among boys and girls. The difference between responses is approximately three percent, which is minimal compared to other sports.

This balance suggests that tennis does not have a strong gender divide and can appeal to a wide range of children regardless of gender.

Age-Related Patterns of Interest in Tennis

Among all age groups, the highest level of engagement in tennis is observed among 17-year-old students. More than 20% of respondents in this age group already play tennis, which is the highest rate across all age categories.

Interest in tennis does not decline with age. On the contrary, it increases, indicating that tennis is viewed not only as an early-stage activity but as a sport with long-term potential for teenagers.

Which Sports Do Schoolchildren Choose

In addition to tennis, children often choose team sports. Basketball and volleyball show nearly the same level of popularity among school students, particularly because these disciplines are most commonly included in school programs.

At the same time, tennis remains the only sport that appeals equally to both younger and older students. Among 18-year-olds, interest in tennis is even higher — more than half of respondents in this age group said they would choose this sport.

What Motivates Children to Choose Tennis

The study identified several key factors influencing children’s choice of tennis:

• tennis is perceived as a prestigious and serious sport
• the opportunity to combine sport and education, including studying abroad
• the prospect of building a professional sports career
• examples of successful Ukrainian tennis players who inspire young people

The achievements of Ukrainian athletes on the international stage reinforce children’s sense that success is attainable and strengthen their confidence in their own potential.

Why Interest Does Not Always Lead to Participation

Despite high levels of interest, not all children are able to turn their desire to play tennis into regular practice. The main barriers remain the cost of training, a lack of tennis programs in many regions, and insufficient sports infrastructure.

Conclusions

The study by the Marta Kostyuk Foundation shows that children’s interest in tennis in Ukraine is high and stable. Tennis appeals to schoolchildren of different ages and is equally attractive to boys and girls. The primary challenge lies in bridging the gap between interest and real opportunities to participate in the sport.