The Marta Kostyuk Foundation launches a new phase of the “School Match Point” project in three regions of Ukraine

The Marta Kostyuk Foundation is launching a new phase of the “School Match Point” project, which opens access to tennis for children in public schools. Following successful implementation in Lviv and the region, where more than 13,000 students are already being introduced to tennis during physical education classes, the project is expanding to three more regions — Volyn, Rivne, and Zhytomyr.

“School Match Point” is a systemic educational and sports project that integrates tennis into the school curriculum and makes it accessible to children regardless of conditions and resources. As part of the project, the Foundation adapts the “Tennis” module for physical education lessons, provides schools with equipment, and trains teachers so they can conduct classes. At the same time, schools receive support in launching tennis clubs, allowing students to continue training outside of lessons and develop sustained interest in the sport.

The program is designed with the real conditions of public schools in mind and can be implemented even without specialized infrastructure — in sports halls or outdoor spaces. This opens access to tennis for children in communities where such opportunities did not previously exist.

At least 40 public schools in the Volyn, Rivne, and Zhytomyr regions will join the new phase of the project, and more than 15,000 students will have the opportunity to play tennis as part of their school education.

The project is implemented in stages: from the open selection of schools and coaches to teacher training and the provision of equipment. The program is then integrated into physical education classes, while teachers receive ongoing support from coaches during implementation. At the same time, tennis clubs are launched in schools, allowing children to train on a regular basis.

“For me, it is important that as many children in Ukraine as possible have the opportunity to try tennis as part of everyday school life. That is why we created ‘School Match Point’ — a project that gives children their first experience and provides teachers with the tools to make this experience regular.

I am very inspired by what we already see in Lviv and the region — how children are discovering tennis in schools. This result gave us the confidence to move forward.

Today we are taking an ambitious step — launching the project in three new regions at once. This has become possible thanks to the support of new international donors who share our vision and help scale access to tennis for children across Ukraine,” says Marta Kostyuk.

The new phase will begin in April 2026 with the opening of applications for schools in the three regions. In the following months, participants will be selected, coaches will be trained, and teachers will undergo training. The program will be launched in selected schools in September 2026.

The Marta Kostyuk Foundation invites public schools, community representatives, and partners interested in developing youth sport in Ukraine and expanding access to new opportunities for children to join the project. Registration is available via the link.

The project is part of the Foundation’s long-term strategy, which aims to open access to tennis for 50,000 children across Ukraine by 2030.