The Board of I Tennis Foundation confirms the continuation of the LITTLE TENNIS CHAMPIONS program, dedicated to young tennis players from less affluent families; with the support of partners, sponsors, and donors, we continue to offer them a dream and the opportunity to compete at the highest levels of international tennis.
For the 2026–27 program, the goal is to support a broader base of deserving young athletes from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, awarding scholarships based on principles of merit and solidarity through various scholarship categories.
Beneficiaries for the LTC 2025–26 cycle have been confirmed, and specific scholarship types have been assigned based on the commitment and adherence to rules demonstrated during the recently concluded program, observed improvements, and the families’ financial circumstances.
Guided by the principle of social inclusion—a long-standing priority for I Tennis Foundation programs—the project has expanded to include more countries and a larger number of scholarship recipients, including the addition of new scholarships for two Romanian female athletes. Here are the recipients of the scholarship:
BOYS (In alphabetical order)
1. Cruceru Ianis Alberto – 18/05/2012 – Lucca, Italy
2. Dano Arber – 12/07/2011 – Tirana, Albania
3. Dagnino Davide – 07/01/2011 – Savona, Italy
4. Krulj Ljubisa – 13/06/2011 – Podgorica, Montenegro
5. Stankovic Petar – 17/01/2011 – Cetinje, Montenegro
6. Toscano Paolo – 17/11/2011 – Naples, Italy
GIRLS (In alphabetical order)
7. Deaconu Eliza Andra – 23/02/2011 – Bologna – Italy
8. Enache Alexia – 10/08/2011 – Bucharest – Romania
9. Forgione Maria Chiara – 23/05/2011 – Avellino, Italy
10. Ismajli Anesa – 27/05/2012 – Pristina, Kosovo
11. Knezevic Nadja – 11/07/2012 – Podgorica, Montenegro
12. Pacini Carolina – 03/02/2012 – Grosseto, Italy
As outlined in the 2025-26 regulations—and thanks to the contribution of all sponsors and the successful achievement of the budget—in addition to supporting the entire group, it is now possible to offer a comprehensive, high-level program to the three most deserving girls. This includes a full scholarship covering full-board accommodation in Turin, a complete training program, and participation in 18 international tournaments on the ITF circuit per year. This week of special sessions at the Circolo della Stampa Sporting in Turin will feature a great mix of on-court activities—covering technical, tactical, and mental aspects—alongside athletic conditioning and classroom sessions with the I Tennis Foundation team and top coaches who are there to support the players.
The group will be led by Gipo Arbino—Lorenzo Sonego’s long-time coach and current coach of Filippo Romano—and Alessandro Petrone, who guided Matteo Arnaldi into the ATP top 50.
Matteo Donati will also participate; fresh from helping his player Tyra Grant qualify for the Wimbledon main draw, he will offer valuable advice to the young players.
The players and staff will wear new adidas kits—adidas having become an official partner of the project—and will train using Head rackets and Dunlop balls.
A classroom presentation of the program is scheduled for Monday morning, featuring Emilio Sanchez Vicario. The former ATP No. 7 and current I Tennis Foundation mentor will speak to the players and staff about the challenges ahead.
A press event is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at 11:00 AM on the court, attended by officials, media, and sponsors; this will be followed by an exhibition match played by the young athletes and an aperitif at 12:30 PM.
Later in the day, a doctor representing La Roche-Posay will speak to the players, families, and staff about skin health and prevention—a particularly sensitive and important topic for outdoor athletes.
We thank you, as always, for the trust and financial support that enable us to assist a group of 26 young players—including scholarship recipients—hailing from Italy and four other countries.
The I Tennis Foundation Board of Directors