Changing the Game: How 'My Tribe' is Bringing Women's Tennis Back to East Grinstead

We are so proud to partner with local initiatives that share our vision. This month, we're shining a light on Sabine Gaouyer, founder of My Tribe, who is changing the game for women's tennis in East Grinstead.

The Story Behind My Tribe

I first picked up a tennis racket as a little girl growing up in France. I played competitively through my teens, and tennis was my everything-my outlet, my challenge, my joy. But like so many girls, life took over. Studies, career, injuries… and somewhere along the way, tennis slipped quietly into the background.

Fast forward about 25 years-and then came COVID.

In my 40s, I found myself drawn back to the game. The moment I stepped back on court, something clicked. I hadn’t just missed the sport itself-I’d missed the adrenaline, the competition, the friendships, and the sense of belonging that tennis gave me as a young girl.

Joining East Grinstead Tennis Club rekindled that spark. I became part of the ladies' team, then the ladies’ captain, and eventually joined both the tennis and general committee. The more involved I became, the more I saw the gaps-especially when it came to girls and women in the sport. Not just in terms of numbers, but in how little support we truly get to stay in the game at every stage of life.

Because we’re not just smaller men. We face different challenges-physical, emotional, social. From puberty and body image, to pregnancy, motherhood, menopause, and beyond. And too often, sport doesn’t meet us where we are.

COVID-and a few other life curveballs-made me stop and reassess. After years in the fast-paced world of banking and finance, I chose to slow down and get qualified as a tennis coach. It was a leap, but one I’ve never regretted. My corporate life taught me how to lead, how to build strong and diverse teams, and how to empower people—and now, I bring all of that to the court.

I coach full-time because I believe in more than just forehands and backhands. I believe in creating a space where girls and women can show up exactly as they are, find their people, and fall in love with movement-sometimes for the first time.

Why My Tribe Exists

Here’s the truth: girls and boys start out playing sports at similar rates. But as we grow older, girls drop out-and women vanish from the game in shocking numbers.

In the UK, only a third of adult social tennis players are women. And 4 in 10 women aren’t active enough to gain any real health benefits from sport. That lack of movement has a knock-on effect: the UK now has the biggest gender health gap among G20 countries.

The reasons are complex-but all too familiar. Stereotypes that say sport is “for boys.” A lack of visible female coaches or role models. The silence around puberty, periods, pregnancy, and menopause. Juggling work, childcare, confidence, and body changes. It can all feel like too much.

But we believe it doesn’t have to be that way. My Tribe is here to change the story. We create supportive, welcoming spaces for girls and women to get moving, have fun, and feel good-without pressure, judgement, or comparison.

Tennis can be a powerful tool-not just for fitness, but for mental wellbeing, confidence, friendship, and freedom. Studies even show it can add up to 10 years to your life. So why not give it a go?

Join the Tribe This Summer

We’ve just wrapped up our first round of group classes-and it’s been beautiful watching the connections form. When I see teenagers planning summer games together, or women reconnecting after realising they were once in the same scout group-it’s a reminder that sport builds more than muscles. It builds community.

Here’s what’s coming next:

• Girls-Only Summer Tennis Camps | 28 July – 1 August: Mornings are for our younger girls (ages 7–9), and afternoons for the older group (ages 10–12). These camps are all about fun, confidence, and friendships-with tennis as the backdrop.

• Cardio Tennis for Adults | Fridays & Saturdays: Lively, energising, and packed with good vibes-our Friday evening and Saturday morning sessions are a perfect way to start your weekend. You’ll work up a sweat, laugh a lot, and maybe even sharpen your tennis skills in the process.

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Come Be Part of the Tribe

Whether you're 8 or 48, picking up a racket for the first time or rediscovering your passion, you’re welcome here.

Got questions about our camps, group classes, private coaching, or anything else? Drop a message to info@mytribecoaching.co.uk or visit www.mytribecoaching.co.uk.