Ascot Manor's latest documentary highlights under-resourced kids in tennis

"The purpose of the brand isn't about the clothes, it's who's playing in it."

This quote can be found on one of Ascot Manor's latest on-court dresses. While the brand offers up some of the most unique tennis style and athleisure apparel, the small business is far from just another company selling performance gear. Ascot Manor is dedicated to helping under-resourced children not only play tennis but excel in it.

Company founder and CEO Ahlilah Longmire noticed the large disparity in the sport when it comes to minorities and people of color playing tennis. The reason being is tennis has a high price tag just to be able to walk onto the court. Lessons, racquets, stringing, bags, travel, tournament fees—the list of expenses is quite daunting and it pushes out much of the lower-class and even middle-class. Last year, Longmire opened up about Ascot Manor and why she felt inclined to start it all in a 2020 Baseline feature.

Most recently, Longmire released the "This is my Tennis" documentary that she said took three years to bring to life.

After years of extensive research and a passion for spreading the light on the current situation, the hard-hitting documentary is out for the world to see. Teaming up with director and cinematographer Kevin Losani, they produced a captivating documentary that really captures what Ascot Manor is all about by traveling the world and speaking to the next generation of players who are finding a way to defy the odds of a white-dominated sport.

The just over 20-minute documentary explores how the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education program is helping to keep more under-resourced children on the court before diving into the stories of young players across the globe. All of their accounts are different, but all are similar in the fact that each must face the sport's financial barriers that pose as a threat to their dreams.

"I've probably watched the documentary at least 20x and still get emotional over it. Each story means so much to me. I hope that each junior player reaches their fullest potential and dreams." founder and CEO Ahlilah Longmire.

New York teen, Donovan Spinger is currently a four-star recruit opened up about the pressure he faces to be the best, while Yubel Sr. from the Dominican Republic revealed the hardships he faced during his career, and the inspiring-story unfolding with his son. This brief glimpse into the lives of families persevering no matter the obstacles is just the beginning for Longmire. She looks forward to shining more light by creating an on-going visual series.

"Our goal as we continue to show the documentary is to be able to capture other junior players, former pros, coaches, etc of color and their stories and have this be an ongoing series," Longmire says.

With each piece sold by the social-conscious brand, a percentage goes to helping a player travel to tournaments, buy racquets and so much more. Customers scanning AscotManor.com should keep in mind that their next Ascot Manor dress, skirt, or polo shirt might look great, but it's not about that. It's all about who's playing in it.

Purchase with a purpose this Black Friday, and take advantage of this discount code: BLFRI20.