Blog / Projects

2025: How the Marta Kostyuk Foundation Supported the Development of Tennis in Ukraine

DEC 30th 2025

6 mins read

2025 became a year of momentum, partnerships, and new opportunities for us. We worked to make tennis more accessible to children and teenagers, to integrate it into education, and to open new pathways — regardless of where a child lives or a family’s financial circumstances. Below are the key projects and initiatives we delivered this year.

Partnership with Ukraine Global Scholars

In 2025, we took our first step toward connecting sport and education by signing a memorandum of cooperation with Ukraine Global Scholars and launching a pilot program for young tennis players.

Together, we conducted a selection process involving 18 young athletes. At the same time, we began developing a preparation program to help teenagers confidently navigate selection processes for UGS and other scholarship opportunities.

Our First International Appearance

This year, we presented the Foundation on the international stage for the first time during Wimbledon in London. We shared our mission, programs, and the “School Match Point” project, and spoke about how partnerships contribute to the development of tennis in Ukraine.

This milestone marked an important step toward international dialogue and new forms of support.

Sports Psychology Course for Coaches

We invest not only in children, but also in those who work with them every day. In 2025, we awarded scholarships to five coaches for a sports psychology course led by Damien Stewart.

This initiative helps coaches better support young athletes, work with emotions, and foster a healthy approach to sport.

The “School Match Point” Project

One of our key priorities is accessibility. Through the “School Match Point” project, we work with schools to integrate tennis into physical education classes and make the game possible even without tennis courts.

The project is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, the Tennis Federation of Ukraine, the Lviv City Council, as well as partners Wilson and the WTA Foundation.

In the first months of implementation in Lviv and the surrounding region, more than 30 teachers completed specialized training supported by five coach ambassadors. Over 13,000 schoolchildren have already taken their first steps in tennis during regular PE classes.

Following these initial results, we began preparing to scale the project. New regions, schools, and continued work with teachers and coaches are ahead.

Presentation of the Tennis Development Study

This year, we also presented a comprehensive study on the development of tennis in Ukraine. The research explores career opportunities in sport, the integration of tennis into school PE classes, and the accessibility of tennis for children and teenagers.

We will soon be sharing the study results through a series of dedicated materials.

Working on the Book “Heart on the Court”

In 2025, we also turned to tennis history by beginning work on the book “Heart on the Court”. The project tells the stories of Ukrainian athletes who helped shape the development of tennis and contributed to its international journey.

Charity Master Class

The Foundation supported the organization of a charity master class led by Marta Kostyuk and Oleksandr Dolgopolov, with the support of volunteer coaches. More than 150 children and teenagers took part in the event.

Support from the United Kingdom

Together with Katie Boulter, we launched the Serve Hope initiative for audiences in the United Kingdom. The initiative supports the “School Match Point” project and the development of tennis in public schools in Ukraine.

Ongoing Support for the Foundation’s Mission

This year, we also introduced a monthly subscription option for those who want to support our work and help create opportunities for young people through tennis on a regular basis.