Albany Lawn Tennis Club is delighted to congratulate our Club Secretary, Pat Sharp crowned UK National Winner of the LTA’s 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester at a live-streamed awards ceremony on Thursday evening.

The Lawn Tennis Association wrote ‘this is an incredible achievement and we offer our sincerest congratulations and gratitude for your contribution towards tennis. You truly deserve this award and your hard work and achievements have stood out among over 2,600 nominations, which is beyond exceptional.’

Pat Sharp has taken a lead role at Albany Lawn Tennis Club for nearly 60 years and has served on Albany’s Committee for all but one year of her membership. She was instrumental in the Club acquiring and developing its own site and her fundraising efforts over the years have helped create the Islands Premier Tennis Club and the only club with indoor facilities.

Pat has had a huge impact on tennis - and sport - in the Isle of Man. In 1973, she helped set up the Isle of Man Lawn Tennis Association before later going on to be appointed to the new IOM Sports Council in 1990 and then receiving the LTA Meritorious Service award for services to Manx tennis ten years later.

David Long, Albany Club Chairman, commented ‘To win the LTA’s flagship national award is outstanding and a true reflection of a lifetime’s passion, energy and commitment to tennis at Albany. Congratulations Pat, and above all thank you.’

Pat has always sought to make tennis open for all and loves nothing more than to see children given the opportunity to thrive. Her passion for junior tennis has inspired thousands of children to pick up a racket and she still works tirelessly to organise tots and mini tennis sessions.

In receiving the award Pat commented ‘It’s wonderful, not just for me but for the whole club and all those who have made it so much fun over the years. I know we can build on this to make the club even better in years to come.’