About GLTA

Pride Tennis Worldwide, Inc. (also known as the GLTA)
 

Pride Tennis Worldwide, Inc, also known as the Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance (GLTA), is a prominent global organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity within the sport of tennis. Established in 1991, this nonprofit entity serves as the governing body for the worldwide gay and lesbian tennis circuit. The GLTA is committed to fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ athletes, ensuring that tennis is accessible to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
 

Through its network of over 80 member clubs (across The Americas, Europe, Asia, and Oceania) and numerous tournaments held across the globe, the GLTA creates opportunities for players to compete in a professional, yet inclusive atmosphere. Its tournaments emphasize camaraderie and sportsmanship while celebrating the diversity of its participants. The GLTA’s initiatives not only enhance the visibility of LGBTQ+ athletes but also challenge stereotypes and encourage acceptance within the broader sports community. By providing safe spaces for competition and connection, the GLTA has become a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ representation in sports.

GLTA World Tour Championships
 

GLTA World Tour Championships is an annual event that brings together top-ranked players from the organization's international tournaments. The championship is a celebration of tennis talent within the LGBTQ+ community, fostering competition and camaraderie.

Qualification Process:
 

To qualify for the GLTA World Championships, players accumulate points through their participation in GLTA-sanctioned tournaments throughout the year. Here are the key aspects of the qualification process:
 

1. Point System: Points are awarded based on performance in individual tournaments, with additional bonuses for reaching the finals or winning. In single-elimination events, the champion and runner-up earn extra points. Round-robin formats follow a similar scheme but do not include runner-up bonuses.

2. Masters Series Tournaments: Participation in Masters Series events is particularly beneficial, as these tournaments offer double points, significantly enhancing a player’s ranking.

3. Top Players by Division: At the end of the season, the top eight players in each skill division (e.g., Open, A, B, C, D) based on accumulated points are invited to compete in the championships.

4. Doubles Qualification: For doubles events, points are accumulated individually, allowing players to qualify without necessarily partnering with the same teammate throughout the season.
    

The 2025 GLTA World Championships took place in Puerto Rico in February 2025, and the 2026 Championships are set to take place in Europe (exact location to be announced) marking another exciting chapter for the global LGBTQ+ tennis community.

Members in Contention
 

With just over half of the season complete Houston Tennis Club has several of our members in contention for the World Tour Championships.
 

A Singles: Phil Bennett

B Singles: James Richardson

C Doubles: Jeffrey Van Liew & Lyndon Zvonek

D Singles: Lyndon Zvonek

D Doubles: Nathan Cruz & Jay Mitchell

New Board Leadership & Strategic Initiatives
 

In a pivotal move to enhance its global presence and community engagement, Pride Tennis Worldwide, Inc. (GLTA) has announced its 2025 Board officers and a series of forward-thinking initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and operational excellence within the LGBTQIA+ tennis community.
 

During its annual meeting held on February 9, 2025, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, the GLTA Board welcomed newly elected members Amy Hasquet (USA) and Grzegorz Gardyjas (Poland), a newly appointed member filling a vacancy left by Rowen’s resignation Jessica Chalmers (Australia), alongside returning directors Leo Reece (USA), Daniel Cribb (USA), and Matt Feinberg (USA).  
 

The Board appointed Matt Feinberg as President and CEO, entrusting him with steering the organization's strategic vision and legal operations. Daniel Cribb continues his tenure as Treasurer, marking his fifth year in the role. Leo Reece steps into the role of Director of Technology and Analytics, with a focus on modernizing technological assets to streamline member and player resources. Grzegorz will serve as the Director of Marketing and Sponsorship to help gain more recognition, acquire sponsors, and funds for GLTA. Finally, Jessica will serve as the Director of Members and Players facilitating a welcoming environment for all players and helping clubs enhance the tournament experience.
 

Emphasizing transparency and member engagement, the GLTA will introduce quarterly virtual member meetings, providing a platform for collaboration, resource sharing, and community building. These sessions aim to create a more cohesive and accessible membership experience.
 

To further support its mission, the Board is establishing several volunteer committees:
 

• Technology Committee: To assist members with software issues and automate processes.

• Analytics Committee: To enhance reporting and data analysis.

• Ranking Committee: To refine the GLTA ranking system.

• Historian Committee: To document and preserve the organization's history.

• Women’s Committee: To promote growth and improve experiences for women in the GLTA.
   

Members interested in contributing to these committees are encouraged to reach out via the GLTA's official channels.

These strategic developments underscore the GLTA's commitment to fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and well-supported environment for LGBTQIA+ tennis players and allies worldwide.