SW19. It’s a postcode one hears frequently during the Fortnight, not just as the area in which Wimbledon can be found, but as something of a byword for The Championships itself.

For the All England Club, however, this connection has a stronger resonance. Unlike some of the other Grand Slam events, Wimbledon sits squarely within a residential area and so takes its responsibilities of being a good neighbour, not just a tennis tournament, seriously.

Perhaps the most famous example of this is the 11pm curfew, which runs throughout The Championships and prevents play from going on beyond that time. Introduced in 2009 when Centre Court’s roof was completed, the rule balances the needs of the tournament with considerations for residents.

Of course, the All England Club is not an ordinary neighbour. Given its resources and influence, its relationship with the local community is all about how it can give back and be a force for good.

“For us, this means providing tangible benefits for the community,” says Ulrika Hogberg, Head of Community Strategy at the All England Club. “It’s all about engaging with residents in our neighbouring areas and fostering a positive, inclusive relationship between them and us, both as an organisation and an event.”

These aims are chiefly the responsibility of a dedicated community team, who deliver a full calendar of varied and engaging outreach events, initiatives and schemes.

Perhaps the most notable of these is when the All England Club throws open its gates for its flagship ‘Open Weekend’, giving local families and residents the chance to get the full Wimbledon experience all for free, including access to the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum, tours of Centre Court and children’s activities such as mini tennis.

Seasonal nature weekends are also hosted throughout the year, providing younger children with opportunities to learn about the environment while also demonstrating Wimbledon’s commitment to being environment positive.

Similarly, guided walks of the former Wimbledon Park golf course provide insight into the All England Club’s plans to transform the area and the significant public benefit those proposals will bring to the local community.

“We find these opportunities give people a much better understanding of Wimbledon as a whole, beyond just the tennis,” says Ulrika. “We have visitors who have lived in the area most of their lives but never set foot inside our gates, and it’s incredibly rewarding to demystify the organisation for them and build a positive connection.”

Building long-lasting relationships with younger people is central to the All England Club’s aims and its learning programme, supported by Official Partner Barclays, is a key tool to do exactly that.

An Early Years programme offers local families with children under five the chance to discover the magic of Wimbledon through storytelling, singing and movement, and has welcomed 2,000 guests since launching two years ago.

Older students are also catered for by Wimbledon’s award-winning learning department, which has been around for more than 20 years, with schools and community groups invited on site to take part in curriculum-based workshops that cover topics ranging from the history of The Championships to the day-to-day running of the Wimbledon business.

While being a good host is imperative, the All England Club also recognises the importance of reaching beyond its boundaries. The horticultural expertise Wimbledon has at its disposal has been used to enhance public spaces, including a multi-sensory garden at the nearby Polka Theatre and the installation of flower baskets throughout local neighbourhoods and town centres. 

There is clearly plenty on offer throughout the year, but the biggest impact can of course be made through The Championships itself. As a global event that attracts thousands of visitors, bespoke ticket schemes help make the Fortnight for everyone. This year, Wimbledon’s Family Ballot, which provides local families with the chance to apply for up to five discounted No.1 Court tickets, has an increased allocation of 500 tickets, with guests receiving a special welcome when they arrive.

The focus on learning continues with local primary schools invited to the Qualifying competition in Roehampton, while Championships-themed assemblies are offered to nearby schools to connect students with the global event happening down the road from them.

The All England Club is also committed to inclusivity and given the profile and prestige of Wimbledon, every effort is made to make people from all walks of life feel welcome.

The Championships 2025 marks the third year of a scheme whereby 1,000 refugee guests and their support organisations are invited to attend the event, with travel and food costs covered if needed to reduce barriers to entry.

Elsewhere, the Wimbledon Foundation’s ‘Work at Wimbledon’ scheme helps local people facing barriers to employment access jobs at The Championships, with 143 people securing roles this year across operations like retail and court services.

We are all, to some degree, shaped by the communities in which we reside. The All England Club is no different, but it also has the unique opportunity – and responsibility – to lead by example when it comes to giving back, creating a virtuous cycle that will benefit the local area for generations to come.