This top achievement was announced last night (Saturday 11 March 2023) at the Notts LTA Annual Awards event held at at the Nottingham High School. Simon now goes forward to the regional final where he will compete with other county winners to represent the Midlands in the National finals later this year.

Named in honour of Cathie Sabin, the former LTA President, this award reflects the passion Cathie had for recognising the contributions of the unsung heroes of tennis – the volunteers that keep tennis going throughout the year come rain or shine.

Simon, wh has been on the management team since April 2019, definitely meets that unsung hero definition. Without Simon our club simply wouldn’t run. He quietly gets on sorting things out – the approach lane needs the weeds and shrubs on the verges cutting back, Simon is there; the benches need repairing, re-varnishing/re-painting , Simon is there; a club fund raising event needs promoting on Facebook, Simon is there; potential new members need meeting and greeting, Simon is there; supplies for open days and other events need purchasing, Simon is there; a temporary alcohol licence is required for a social event, Simon is there; weekly social tennis needs organising, Simon is there; the club’s annual bonfire needs building, Simon is there; a member suggests a MacMillan charity event, and yes you guessed it, Simon is there to make sure everything runs smoothly. In fact, whenever he’s asked to sort a ‘little’ job, Simon is always there, without letting on he has a veritable list of other ‘little’ jobs to complete.  

Congratulations Simon - a well deserved win. Fingers crossed for the next round.  

The LTA Tennis Awards are now in their eighth year and celebrate the achievements and contributions of outstanding tennis volunteers, coaches, officials, venues and players across the country.