Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 LTA County Awards, each of whom will be presented with their certificates at the Norfolk Tennis AGM on Tuesday, 27 February.
Those listed below will now progress to the regional stage of the LTA Awards.
Club of the Year - Loddon Tennis Club
Norfolk's newest tennis club, Loddon, continued its growth and development to retain the Club of the Year award. Membership has increased to 140, under the guidance of head coach Paul Solomon, with newly painted courts, clubhouse refurbishments, a hitting wall and Inclusive Tennis sessions.
Volunteer of the Year/Jolyon Harris Award – Jane Bentham (Cromer LTSC)
Jane Bentham is a long-time volunteer at Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, be it behind the bar, inside the pavilion, as a first aider or ensuring the venue runs smoothly during tournament weeks.
Development Coach of the Year - Donna Andrews (Tennis For Life)
Donna Andrews has a great passion for developing players of all age groups and abilities, including wheelchair champion Alfie Hewit and Para standing player Georgia Routledge. Donna set up Tennis for Life more than 20 years ago, created a Grand Slam Series for U8 players organised box leagues for over 70 junior players, and as She Rallies Ambassador for Norfolk, she set up a development pathway for girls and most recently created Tennis leadership training for ages 12+.
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Tennis For All (Inclusion) - North Elmham Tennis Club
North Elmham raised money to help introduce an inclusive tennis programme. Led by Jonathan Lindner, Jim Biggie, James Buddell and Judy Biggie, weekly sessions are offered to all ages and abilities, including players with autism, epilepsy, hearing loss and cerebral palsy, with the Fred Nicholson School and Norfolk & Norwich SEND Association. The Club also encourages pupils from underprivileged backgrounds to come and enjoy the game.
Rising Star - Sophie Kumar (Tennis For Life)
Sophie Kumar has supported the Tennis for Life programme for several years, often helping to umpire and teaching parents about the rules of the game. She is very popular with the young players she assists in coaching sessions and is a very worthy winner of this award.
Competition of the Year - Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Club
Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Club hosted its 67th official LTA Grade 3 Junior Open Tournament, featuring 30 different events from 8&U to men’s and ladies open competitions. The six-day tournament included 214 players and 475 matches.
University of the Year - University of East Anglia
The University of East Anglia Tennis Club has over 120 members and provides coaching for both BUCS students and a development academy.
Lifetime Achievement Award - Martin Braybrooke (Cromer LTSC)
Martin Braybrooke has been a volunteer at Cromer Lawn Tennis & Squash Club for 44 years, undertaking several key roles – including chairman (five years in late 1980s) and long-time treasurer – on the committee. He still runs a monthly quiz and raises funds for disability charities
Norfolk LTA President's Commendation (Club of the Year category) – North Elmham Tennis Club
The annual LTA Tennis Awards highlight the incredible achievements and contributions of people in tennis across Britain. Launched in 2015, with the help of former LTA President Cathie Sabin OBE, the LTA Awards recognise the many thousands of inspirational individuals involved in tennis who dedicate their precious time and energy, as well as the incredible achievements of schools, registered venues and tournaments.