Tennis For Us Berlin is a community initiative that creates inclusive tennis spaces for BIPoC in Berlin. We offer (or plan to offer) tennis training sessions, community events, and a social media platform where stories, opportunities, and representation are shared. Our aim is to make tennis accessible, affordable, and welcoming for everyone.
1. What do you offer?
A brief overview of who is part of the initiative and what you offer or your idea (e.g., formats, target groups, activities)
Tennis For Us Berlin is a community initiative that creates inclusive tennis spaces for BIPoC in Berlin. We offer (or plan to offer) tennis training sessions, community events, and a social media platform where stories, opportunities, and representation are shared. Our aim is to make tennis accessible, affordable, and welcoming for everyone.
2. Why did you start your organization or initiative?
Tell us about your personal motivation or your “why.”
I started Tennis For Us because I love tennis but have often experienced how exclusive and unwelcoming the sport can feel. Most oft he time, especially during female club tournaments I found myself to be the only bipoc player and confronted with questions like: „How did you even start playing tennis.“ It was not normal for them. And for it’s not normal to feel alone and misunderstood on courts. That’s why I wanted to create a safe space where BIPoC can enjoy tennis without barriers, see themselves represented, and feel a sense of belonging on and off the court. And to be honest, to not feel alone anymore.
3. What do you want to achieve with your organization or idea?
What impact do you want to have—socially, locally, or individually?
My goal is to make tennis a sport for everyone, not just a privileged few. I want to break down cultural and financial barriers, increase visibility for BIPoC players, and build a community that empowers people through sport.
4. What does a more equitable outdoor scene mean to you?
How do you envision a more inclusive future in nature?
For me, equity in the outdoor scene means everyone feels welcome, safe, and represented. It means shifting from spaces that tolerate diversity to spaces that are intentionally built for inclusion. The experience should matter more, than who or what you are. So you can truly emmerse yourself in the experience.
5. Why do we need to make nature more accessible to BIPoC?
What barriers do you see—and what opportunities?
Nature is part of this planet, and for me it is self-evident that we as humans are part of it too. Access should not be granted only to certain people—everyone should be able to spend more time outdoors. Too often, we are confined to closed spaces, in front of screens, and isolated from one another, which is harmful for all of us. Time and connection with nature is a beautiful reminder that we are part of something bigger and never truly alone. This healing experience is something we all need, and BIPoC communities in particular deserve full access to it.
6. What specifically do you want from the outdoor community and society to enable genuine participation and safe spaces for BIPoC?
I want the outdoor community to recognize systemic barriers and actively dismantle them. This means creating inclusive programs, offering affordable access, amplifying BIPoC voices, and making representation a priority. At the same time, I see more and more outdoor or sports groups starting projects in the name of diversity and equality, but still reproducing similar power dynamics. Often only the “successful” BIPoC, those who are well-connected, wealthy, or have strong visibility are invited to participate. The same problem then repeats itself, just in different colors. We need to be careful not to create new forms of exclusivity and instead remain truly open to everyone.
7. Which (outdoor) role models or movements have inspired you?
Whether personal, public, or historical - what has shaped you?
When I started my initiative, my biggest motivation was that I didn't have any role models in Germany for my project, specifically in tennis. But I find it very exciting that Tennis For Us could itself be a role model for future projects. In the English-speaking world, I follow the Black Girls Tennis Club and SheCanServe. My dream is to implement something like that in Berlin.
8. What are your hopes for the OUTO Changemaker Program?
Feel free to share something you would like to share with other changemakers.
I hope to develop Tennis For Us further, learn from other changemakers, and gain tools to make my initiative sustainable. I also look forward to building connections with people who share the same vision for more equity in outdoor spaces.
9. What motivates you most about participating in the OUTO Changemaker Program?
What are you looking forward to?
What excites me most is the chance to learn and grow alongside other changemakers who are committed to inclusion. I’m motivated by the opportunity to strengthen my project so it can have a bigger impact in Berlin and beyond.
10. What advice would you give to others who want to promote a more inclusive outdoor scene?
A personal thought, tip, or call to action.
Start small but stay consistent. Inclusion is not just about opening the door—it’s about creating spaces where people feel safe, seen, and valued. Listen to the communities you want to serve, and let their voices guide your work.
11. Complete the sentence: Nature means to me...
A personal conclusion that can also be used as a quote.
It is incredibly hard and exhausting to challenge existing structures and norms. You will face resistance, rejection, and misunderstanding, sometimes enough to make you want to give up. But there are also many moments and grateful people who remind you to keep going, because the impact you create even only with your vision is much greater than you think and bigger than yourself. We must hold on to that and not give up until the vision becomes reality. Sooner or later, it will! I truly believe in that!
Contact:
Social media: https://www.instagram.com/tennisforus.bln/ / https://www.instagram.com/coachbilge/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bilge-bozkurt-1935b3154/
