Berkshire Tennis' very own Lesley Cundy (former Berkshire Tennis Chair, LTA Councillor & Board member, current EDI and Open Court Lead, and much much more!), was presented with the LTA Meritorious Service Award by LTA President Sandi Procter at a ceremony in Queens Club recently.
Anyone who has been involved in tennis in Berkshire will have met or worked with Lesley, and we are all in awe of her incredible dedication and relentless hard work in the sport. As EDI and Open Court Lead, she continues her advocacy of making tennis and padel more inclusive to all.
The following citation was read out at the ceremony, summing a lot of what Lesley has done in her time invoved with Berkshire Tennis so far:
---
Lesley has played a pivotal role in Berkshire tennis for nearly 40 years, driving change locally and nationally with a (lovely) tenacious desire to make a difference. From representing Berkshire as a player to becoming the Chair of Berkshire LTA, Lesley has helped drive change at all levels of the game. From creating volunteer sub committees to newly funded positions she will always bring out the best in everyone.
As Berkshire’s EDI and Open Court lead, Lesley has been advocating for inclusivity for years, breaking down barriers to entry for several minority groups and instigating PGCE teacher training. To promote retention, especially with young women, Lesley introduced girls’ development and transition squads with the aim of keeping players included and reducing drop out. Lesley led the charge on developing wheelchair tennis sessions in the region, mentoring our coaches to adapt their teaching and include everyone. Working together with a local provider Lesley introduced free tennis sessions for adults suffering from mental health issues showing how tennis could reach all in local communities and be a positive impact on people lives. Ensuring that coaches and their development also played a critical role in the County Lesley worked closely with ‘Growing the Game’, creating CPD opportunities through one-on-one mentorship and promotion of grant opportunities.
In 2019 Lesley was elected to the LTA Board where she co-created ‘Hello Councillors’, sat on the National LTA Awards panel, whilst also being the Berkshire LTA councillor and serving on various Youth and Education DTAG workstreams. She currently sits as the Chair of the LTA Councillor Alumni network, ensuring continuity and engagement with members across all generations.
Lesley has always led by example. You will no doubt find her at a tennis venue somewhere thanking others for their contribution - officials, coaches, parents, volunteers, players and many more.
---
Thank you for all you have done and continue to do in Berkshire, Lesley.
📸 Getty Images