A club in Dundee has created a space for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to get active.
Dundee Deuces are an inclusive tennis and pickleball club with the goal to create positive and welcoming spaces for the LGBTQ+ community through social sessions. The club was formed by Wesley Rennison as a result of the negative experiences he’s encountered and wanted to ensure this wasn’t the case for others.
Wesley said: “The club really stemmed from my partner’s and my own previous experiences. I wanted to create a welcoming space where the LGBTQ+ community and its allies can feel comfortable.
“We strive to be an inclusive club, valuing kindness to each other and supporting each other to have fun both playing tennis and pickleball, and in any social activities we take part in.”
The club sits within the West End Community Sport Hub, which is part of the national sportscotland community sport hub network, funded by the National Lottery. The CSH network brings sports clubs and community organisations together to improve the contribution sport and physical activity has within communities across Scotland.
After being set up during Pride month last year, the club has grown to welcome over 60 members, many of which haven’t previously participated in racket sports before, as Wesley said:
“I think the club has been important for the LGBTQ+ community. That sense of belonging is really important for people’s mental health and many have come along so they can be themselves and to meet like-minded people. They haven’t necessarily came for the sport aspect.
“Out of around 60 members we have about 40 or so are completely new to racket sports. The other 20 or so have maybe played before, but not for a while.”
The club initially began as a tennis club, but quickly expanded to offer pickleball, which proved very popular during the winter months. The tennis sessions are held on Saturdays at the University of Dundee tennis courts from 2-4pm and pickleball on Thursdays 7-8pm at St Paul’s Swim and Sports Centre, and both free to attend.
A new found confidence
Among the clubs’ members is Ash. Ash has been attending tennis and pickleball sessions since November last year and has seen huge improvements both physically and mentally.
He said: “I was previously not a very sporty person and struggled finding any enjoyable sporting experiences. I tried workout routines, but nothing seemed to stick.
“My friend, who is also trans, mentioned to me about the club and that I should attend. I was a bit apprehensive at first, but I trusted them and thought I would give it a shot.
“I vividly remember during my first session the rain pouring down. On any other day I would have just stopped and headed home, but I was having such a great time I didn’t care!”
Ash reflects on what he has gained from being part of the club, saying:
“The group are really nice and welcoming. I was worried that coming in as a beginner that I was going to be judged on how good I was, but I quickly realised that no one cared. Looking back now, I would never expect new members to be perfect, so why was I being so critical on myself?
“I think having that shared frame of reference in this environment really helps as there will be others with similar experiences and people that understand you.
“The club has really helped my confidence and encouraged me to try other things. I have made loads of new friends and its definitely made me better both physically and mentally.
Local support
The club have been grateful for the support from a number of organisations who have helped make sure the sessions continue to be free. LEAP Sports Scotland provided funding for tennis balls and rackets for the clubs first ever session back in June 2024.
University of Dundee have offered use of the tennis courts and Leisure and Culture Dundee have been key in providing use of the sports hall at St Paul’s when the club were finding their feet. Leisure and Culture Dundee have also welcomed the club along to the West End CSH committee meetings that have proved helpful to share learning and hear about other opportunities locally.
Wesley said:
“I think it’s important that we keep these sessions free, so that cost isn’t a barrier to anyone. We provide equipment and tennis balls for participants, as well as have coaches at each session.
"We have also been fortunate enough to receive funding from The National Lottery Community Fund which goes towards their time as well as the cost of courts for both the sessions.”
Widening the appeal
As part of the LEAP Sports Scotland’s Festival Fortnight, the club are holding open days for pickleball on 19 June and tennis on the 21 June which are both open to anyone to attend and try.
Despite the ‘Deuces’ offering social tennis sessions, there are still opportunities for competitive tennis. The club have entered a team in the Tennis Tayside League and have also organised inter-club competitions amongst other LGBTQ+ clubs such as the Weegie Whackers from Glasgow. Those looking for other competitive opportunities can also be signposted to other local clubs.
Another testament to the success of the club is that three members have been selected by LEAP Sports Scotland to represent Scotland at the EuroGames, Europe's largest multisport inclusive sporting event dedicated to the LGBT+ community, happening in Lyon this July.
Find out more
- Visit the Dundee Deuces website
- Learn more about community sport hubs
