The exceptional contribution to tennis of Simon Grainger, Chairman and Treasurer of Chatteris Tennis Club has now been acknowledged with the outstanding achievement of the Lawn Tennis Association Central and East Region Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award was presented to Simon by Cathie Sabin, Ex President of the LTA and Iain Bates, Head of GB Ladies Tennis at the Nature Valley Open at the Nottingham Tennis Centre, in the presence of tennis fans including several from Chatteris, attending this International Tennis Tournament.

Simon joined the tennis club as a young boy where his talents were swiftly recognised. Over nearly 40 years he has played tennis for the club’s Men’s A and Mixed A teams, for the majority of that this time also serving as Men’s A Captain. In addition he has won numerous, singles, doubles and mixed titles and now also plays in the Cambs Veterans League.

The award recognises much more than just Simon’s tennis playing talents. As Club Treasurer for over 20 years and in more recent years also as Club Chairman, his inspirational leadership has ensured the Club has consistently developed facilities to attract people of all ages and abilities to play tennis and provide benefit to the community it serves. Under Simon’s leadership, progressively through considerable fund raising, including contributions from both Sport England and the LTA, the club has been able to build 2 hard courts , a new club house, provide floodlighting for all year round play and in 2018 provide a further 2 hard courts. 

This has resulted in increased membership, greater participation by the club in local leagues, enhanced provision of coaching for both juniors and adults and the development of a club which provides a broad programme of social events and tournaments. The Club now attracts membership from Chatteris, surrounding towns and villages as the club of their choice.

Simon continues to passionately engage in every aspect of the Club. He assists with junior coaching, inspiring young players to develop their talents and enjoyment of the sport. He represents the Club at both Cambs League and Hunts and Peterborough League meetings. Even devoting time too, to the regular maintenance of facilities of the entirely voluntary managed and self-financing Club.

Simon was selected for the Regional Award having won the Lifetime Achievement Award for Cambs. He has now been invited by the LTA as a candidate for the National Award due to be presented at Wimbledon next month.