Introduction

The Black Tennis Mentors (BTM) is a digital platform that spotlights black tennis leaders within the UK and supports their journeys in order to create a domino effect of young black tennis enthusiasts who are keen to strive within the industry. The BTM recognises the need for more individuals from the black community in the game and, as such, has a unique strategy to create this change. By doing so, the BTM will help contribute to a more diverse system of players, coaches, volunteers, officials, student-athletes, health and fitness instructors, media and marketing managers, event managers, and more. The BTM believes that by highlighting individuals with a great deal of knowledge and lived experiences from the black community, they can act as positive role models and inspire future generations to do the same!

Founders

Arum Akom

Head Coach at the Butterfly Tennis Club

Arum Akom is a tennis player, coach, mentor, and entrepreneur from south-east London. Arum has created his own concept called ‘Project AA’, in which his goal involves using sports to show children and young people that you can ‘Accomplish Anything’ in life. With a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Coaching and a Masters in Sports Management, Arum takes great pride and pleasure in applying all the theoretical concepts he learned during his degrees into practice!

Arum has several projects he is working on, all geared towards promoting diversity and inclusion. Arum has received numerous awards for his contributions to the sport and is driven to use his knowledge and lived experiences to mentor others to do the same.

"This is where the Black Tennis Mentors come in!".

Jabilayh Asante

Client Services at Fidelity International

Jabilayh Asante regards herself as one who wears many hats. Professional, creative, socialite, traveller, but her most cherished title, tennis player. Jabilayh had the pleasure of growing up in the heart beat of the sport, Florida, and immersing in all areas of tennis. Her performance and dedication to the sport was recognised as she received a scholarship to a prestigious private university called Allegheny College, located in Pennsylvania. Her tennis career ended once she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications. She has now re-entered the sport as a mentor and resource.

Jabilayh has experienced the tennis life first hand and knows the demands of a great player! She is confident she has the tools, experience and knowledge to assist in the development of future leaders. Most importantly, she loves the sport with her whole heart which shows both on and off of the court.

“I treat each day like a match, I give my all every day, every point, every set, every game!”.

Mission and Objectives

The mission is to create opportunities for everyone on the platform, drive diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) change, and build a network of sports-driven individuals. For this to happen, we aim to connect our leaders (experienced mentors) with learners (young black tennis enthusiasts) to teach them the relevant skills required for their field of interest. In addition to this, a self-funding bursary pot will be created in order to cover expenses for courses, events, personal training with a leader, personal development, and more.