Key Facts:
Tennis legend John Millman joined 250 primary school students for a free sports day introducing them to tennis, while enhancing physical and mental wellbeing
In partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation, Emirates launched its Force for Good program in Australia in 2025 to make a meaningful impact in local communities
In 2025 alone, Emirates' Force for Good program will support approximately 3,000 disadvantaged children and young people in gaining access to tennis across 11 community initiatives.
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA, 5 September 2025 – On the 4th of September, about 250 primary school students from low socio-economic and multicultural communities joined a free rotational sports day designed to introduce them to tennis, while enhancing their physical and mental fitness. The initiative was one of 11 community tennis initiatives in 2025 to receive funding from the Emirates' Force for Good program, now in full swing across Australia for the first time this year.
Yesterday's sports day, the Schools Future Fit Program, was delivered by Youth of Tomorrow which gained funding from Emirates' Force for Good initiative earlier this year. Held at the Pat Rafter Arena, Queensland State Tennis Centre, approximately 250 students participated in a series of on court tennis activities delivered by qualified coaches, including introduction to Pop and Pickleball, and preventative mental health workshops.
In celebration of the Force for Good program, Australian tennis legend and Australian Tennis Foundation ambassador, John Millman, joined the students in a series of coaching sessions focused on fun and social connection. Guest appearances were made by Emirates mascots and Emirates cabin crew. Students received a series of tennis gifts and got to capture special moments and create memories with a Polaroid photo in a limited-edition Emirates photo frame as a keepsake.
In partnership with the Australian Tennis Foundation, Emirates launched its Force for Good program in Australia in 2025 to make a meaningful impact in local communities. Emirates is investing $2.25 million over five years to inspire brighter futures for disadvantaged children and young people through tennis. The Emirates' Force for Good program operates in the five Australian cities where the airline flies – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. The community initiatives offer a structured and supportive environment where kids can develop their sporting skills and build social connections, contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing.
In 2025 alone, Emirates Force for Good program will support approximately 3,000 disadvantaged children and young people in gaining access to tennis across 11 community initiatives. These will include over 60 schools, clubs and other community courts, offering children over 10,000 opportunities to play.
Beginning for the first time this year, the Emirates Force for Good program has already been in full swing in Australia, with six community initiatives having already kicked off across Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, with over 800 participants.
Dean Cleaver, Regional Sales Manager at Emirates said: "Emirates is passionate about ensuring our commitment to Australia extends beyond the flights we operate. For us, the Force for Good program is an opportunity to give back to the communities we serve in Australia.
"Backed by a legacy of strong sporting sponsorships including our longstanding partnership with Tennis Australia, we know that offering children access to tennis is about more than the game. For children who might otherwise miss out on the opportunity, we're not only introducing them to a sport, we're offering pathways to develop physical skills, build social connections, and enhance mental wellbeing. The enthusiasm and fun we saw from the students in Brisbane is exactly what this program is about."
Executive Director, Australian Tennis Foundation, Vicki Reid said: "We are excited to join forces with Emirates to support social impact initiatives across Australia. Through this collaboration, we can break down barriers and provide young people with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive,"
John Millman, tennis legend and Australian Tennis Foundation ambassador, said: "Tennis has the power to bring people together and create lasting change. It's incredible to see the joy and connection these kids experience when they're given the chance to play."
Chief Executive Officer of Youth of Tomorrow, Umit Oraloglu said: "We're proud to partner with Emirates, ATF and Tennis Queensland to deliver a fully funded program to schools that need it most, supporting both the physical and mental wellbeing of young people."
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 first year of the program will culminate in January 2026 with a special event at the Australian Open.
