Grassroots heroes recognised at prestigious LTA Tennis Awards

Grassroots heroes from across the country were celebrated at the 2024 LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, this week.

Several high-profile guests including Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester attended the prestigious event at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre, with the ceremony hosted by LTA President Sandi Procter and presented by head of men’s tennis Leon Smith.

The award winners received their awards from a host of stars including Sir Trevor McDonald, Adrian Chiles, Lucy Shuker, Jeremy Bates, James Ward and Laura Robson.

The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus, highlight and celebrate the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis across Britain.

First launched in 2015 with the help of former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, they recognise the vital work of volunteers, coaches, officials, and players dedicating their precious time and energy to the continual development and growth of the sport.

Over the past nine years, the awards have illustrated the depth of service and talent within the tennis community and serve as an inspiration to others to get involved in the game.

The winners, selected from more than 2,200 nominations across 15 different categories, have all been acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to tennis in 2023.

Stephen Woodley received the Lifetime Achievement award, with Juliet O’Mahony named Cathie Sabin Volunteer of the Year and Heidi Cornwall crowned Rising Star.

Club of the Year went to Pangbourne LTC with Finsbury Park – Access to Sports claiming Park Venue of the Year and Competition of the Year going to Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Club.

There was a repeat winner in the School of the Year category as Cardinal Newman in Pontypridd claimed the award for the second time, while Leeds Beckett were named University of the Year.

Sam Salt was recognised as the Performance Coach of the Year, with Pauline Fisher and Chris Hearn winning Senior Female and Senior Male Player of the Year respectively while Tom Brown kicked off proceedings by accepting Official of the Year.

The Tennis for All award went to Liverpool Tennis Centre, with Nichola Smith from Cheshire winning Development Coach of the Year.

Achieve More! Scotland won the Connecting Communities Award for their work helping young people get into to tennis, while Ian Pearson-Brown was overcome with emotion to win the LTA President’s Award for his work bringing LGBTQ+ inclusivity into tennis.

The best of the grassroots were recognised alongside elite award winners Cameron Norrie and Katie Boulter, who were crowned the Male and Female Player of the Year.

Joe Salisbury once again claimed Doubles Player of the Year, with Wimbledon boy’s singles champion Henry Searle scooping the Boys award and Hannah Klugman winning the Girls equivalent.

In the wheelchair categories, Alfie Hewett claimed the Wheelchair Player of the Year, while Dahnon Ward won Junior Wheelchair Player.

Aimee Gibson was in attendance to collect her Female Padel Player award, with Sam Jones taking the Male Padel Player.

Sandi Procter, speaking after the event at the National Tennis Centre, said: “The ceremony has been a tremendous celebration of the people that make our sport so special.

“The incredible stories behind the finalists are so heart-warming to hear. The hard work and dedication of all the winners and runners-up too is unbelievable, and I am always so impressed by the selfless sacrifice of all the volunteers, officials, and coaches.

“I have always been passionate about the grassroots and the awards are our way of highlighting the extraordinary contribution of the individuals and venues that help us open tennis up bringing new players and fans to the game .’’

Leon Smith, Great Britain Davis Cup Team Captain, and LTA Head of Men’s Tennis, said: “It’s been a pleasure to have all the winners and runners-up come together at the National Tennis Centre in celebration of their dedication to the game.

‘’Listening during the awards and finding out more about the impact all our finalists have made to tennis, is just so inspirational. It’s also very humbling to hear about the incredible work they have been doing in clubs, venues, parks, schools, and communities up and down the country.

“We are delighted to be able to acknowledge their amazing contributions. I look forward to following what they go on to do next year. Congratulations to all our amazing finalists. Well, done!’’

The annual LTA Tennis Awards, presented by Lexus.