Awards
Celebrating Our Tennis Community
Warwickshire Tennis Limited has a long-standing tradition of celebrating excellence across the county, hosting an annual awards ceremony each January to recognise the achievements of players, teams, volunteers, and officials who contribute to and represent tennis in Warwickshire.
The ceremony features a range of honours, including the Ron Kingsley Mills Bursary, and the prestigious WALTA Awards. The event is also aligned with the LTA Awards, as the majority of categories correspond.
As a result, with the exception of Player of the Year and Team of the Year, all WALTA Award winners are eligible to progress to the LTA regional and national awards, competing against other outstanding recipients. National winners are invited by the LTA to attend Wimbledon.
What are the LTA Awards?
The annual LTA Awards, presented by Lexus, celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals involved in tennis across Great Britain and are closely aligned with local awards programmes delivered by the county associations.
Launched in 2015 with the support of former LTA President Cathie Sabin OBE, the awards recognise the dedication of thousands of inspirational individuals who generously give their time and energy to support the ongoing development and growth of the sport. Over the past eight years, the LTA Awards have showcased the depth of talent, commitment, and service within the British tennis community, inspiring others to volunteer, coach, officiate, and participate in the game.
Nomination Categories:
2025 Award Winners
Tennis
Adult Player of the Year - Holly Reid from Edgbaston Archery & Lawn Tennis Society
Adult Player of the Year - Lloyd Glasspool from Edgbaston Archery & Lawn Tennis Society
Senior Player of the Year - Nathan Rooney from Edgbaston Priory Club /West Warwickshire
Junior Player of the Year - Raheem Shahzada from Warwick Boat Club
Padel
Senior Player of the Year- James Southwood from Edgbaston Priory Club
Senior Player of the Year - Debbie Morrison from Kenilworth Tennis, Squash & Croquet Club
Adult Player of the Year - Enrique Beneytez Martinez from Solihull Arden Club
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June.
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Nominations for tennis and padel players are welcome.
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2025 Award Winner
County Team of the Year - Men's O35 team
This team is a shining example of success achieved through hard work, team bonding, and mutual support. This united squad remained unbeaten throughout the season, which is in itself a most remarkable achievement at such a high level of competition.
They displayed enormous resilience and determination against very strong opposition, resulting in their outstanding promotion to Division 1 in 2025 without conceding a single match. This crowned a truly stellar season for this close-knit group. The level of commitment shown by this squad is unparalleled. To ensure Warwickshire is given the best possible chance of success every year, the players have gone to incredible lengths:
* Simon Ferguson travels back from Australia.
* Thomas Wride flies in from America.
* The rest of the squad travels from all corners of the country to stand together as a team.
This "no excuses" attitude defines their culture; each member prioritises County over self, showing total loyalty to the Warwickshire Bears shirt.
Having conquered three divisions in as many years, the team is now incredibly excited to take their fight to Division 1. They relish the opportunity to test themselves against the very best in the country, carrying with them the same passion and unity that fuelled their rise to the top.
The squad serves as a fine example of camaraderie and professionalism. They are excellent role models for younger generations, embodying the vital qualities of Passion and Determination, Unity and Pride and Total Professionalism
Club Team of the Year- Leamington Ladies team
This club has around 100 female adults and juniors who played for its teams during 2025.
It’s first team once again won the premier division of the Coventry & District Summer League. The 4th team came within one rubber of being promoted to Division 1 which would have meant 4 teams in the top 2 divisions. The 5th team also achieved promotion, meaning the Club will have 5 teams in the top 4 divisions in 2026 – a splendid achievement by all teams and players.
In the Stafford Winter League for 2025 and 2026, the 1st team is currently sitting top of Division 1 and the 2nd team leads Division 2. With two other teams in Division 2, again this Club is showing it’s strength in depth and has 4 teams in the top 12 places in this competition.
In the LTA National League Regional Tier 2025 for Midlands & Wales, the Women’s team won the Midlands & Wales regional tier and qualified for the National Tier finals in 2026. This is an amazing achievement and will mean that the club’s top players will have the chance to perform against the strongest players in the country.
From the young juniors who are welcomed into the teams, to the outstanding veterans who represent the club and county with pride, there is a great spirit at the club and a wonderful community feel. Everyone feels supported and matches are shared out throughout the teams so everyone can be involved
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June.
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Nominations for tennis and padel players are welcome.
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2025 Award Winner - Tim and Annette Webb from Beechwood LTC
The winners this year have volunteered for over 20 years at their 8-court, 400-member club. They have served as presidents, tennis chair, membership secretary, club secretary and many more less honorific titles. Chief Executive Leaf Clearer and Director of Net Fastening may well be amongst their less celebrated roles.
They often volunteer over 20 hours a week to ensure that the club runs smoothly and have done for many, many years now. Think about that - 20 hours a week, what would typically be around 3 full working days – time given not for benefit in return, but out of pure altruism.
Recently the two of them have been overseeing the future development of the club with meetings across many sections and listening to multiple viewpoints. They have worked to improve the selection and quality of the bar. They have planned refurbishments of the current clubhouse as well as investigating options for how to redevelop into an improved new one. They have overseen the refurbishment of several courts and floodlights.
And of course, on top of existing operational essentials they have led the project to bring padel to their venue, involving yet more unpaid hours to grow and futureproof the club. In their time on the committee these volunteers have ensured the club has been financially secure and a premium place to play tennis in Coventry
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner -Aston Cantlow Tennis Club
This award recognises a club that doesn’t just run well — it welcomes, it includes, it adapts, and it keeps finding ways to improve, even when resources are limited. This year’s winning club shows what can be achieved through friendliness, care, and determination.
They are proud of being a small, welcoming club — and they actively make sure new and prospective members feel part of things from the start. They encourage people to come along, meet others, and enjoy a free social session.
They stand out for being genuinely inclusive and rooted in their local community. Their members come from all walks of life, and the club plays an active role in village life — connected with the village hall committee, working alongside their landlord, and supporting village activities whenever they can.
This club carefully monitor court condition, take pride in keeping the courts in great shape, and make the most of what they have year-round. They invested in rechargeable LED floodlights so members can enjoy social tennis through the darker winter evenings, and they use WhatsApp to help members organise sessions beyond the club calendar — keeping the courts active, the community connected, and the club vibrant.
Through member fundraising, and with generous help from a member’s husband, they’ve just completed the replacement of the external wood cladding, giving the clubhouse a fantastic new look and a renewed lease of life. And because they have not finished improving, the next tasks are already in sight.
Highly Commended
Berkswell & Balsall Common Tennis Club
Kenilworth Tennis, Squash & Croquet Club
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner - Jack Smith from Edgbaston Priory Club
This coach has made an outstanding and sustained impact on junior development through exceptional leadership and programme design, particularly in the 8 & Under age group—which has measurably strengthened Warwickshire’s player pathway and club engagement.
He has created and delivered a progressive, age appropriate pathway for 4–8 year olds that blends motor skill foundations, fun competition, and early tactical awareness, this coach has run regular weekly sessions, holiday camps, and starter courses that introduce large numbers of children to tennis and converts them into long-term participants. He also plans and referees Mini events and festival formats that give 8U children meaningful competitive experiences in a low pressure, positive environment. He identifies and supports promising 8U players into county squads and performance strands, liaising directly with county coaches to ensure smooth transitions. His early identification and support of technical and athletic potential has led to quick and confident progress for players entering U10 and county development squads.
This coach trains and mentors assistant coaches and LTA Youth Tennis Leaders, maintaining high coaching standards and safeguarding practices. Through mentoring and practical coach training they have raised the delivery quality across partner clubs, enabling consistent 8U provision countywide and through proactively supporting club volunteers, have built more local capacity.
Clubs involved report higher retention from starter stages into junior squads, reducing dropout in the critical early years. Parents repeatedly praise his clear communication, child centred coaching style, and the sense of community the sessions create.
This coach represents county coaching values at events and meetings, modelling best practice and a forward thinking approach to junior performance. His focused, evidence based work with 8 & Under players delivers the single most important return for Warwickshire tennis: a healthy, skilled, and engaged generation of young players.
This coach has recently taken on the Captaincy of the U18s county team, showing the respect they have gained across all age groups in Warwickshire. He has recently joined the coaching team at Edgbaston Priory Club which is a great next step for his career, enabling him to be part of an LTA performance centre
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner -Doug Gibson Daytime Leagues
This award celebrates a competition that has made a genuine impact — one that identified a need, brought people together, and created new opportunities for players to enjoy competitive tennis in the right spirit.
This year’s winning competition began with a simple conversation.
Its creator, an enthusiastic and passionate tennis player from Knowle & Dorridge Tennis Club, spent time chatting with “older” members across clubs in Warwickshire and quickly realised there was a gap. While veterans’ tennis was well served, many retired players wanted competition that better suited their age, availability, and stage of life.
With the support of Warwickshire Tennis, that idea became the Warwickshire Seniors Tennis Leagues — a brand-new competition aimed specifically at retired players. With age limits set at 60 for men and 55 for ladies, it opened the door to players 15 years older than those eligible for existing veterans’ leagues. Crucially, fixtures are all played during the working day, making the league genuinely accessible.
Considerable time was spent researching, communicating, and connecting with players, with emails sent to every Warwickshire club by the County. Results were integrated into the same website as the County Leagues, ensuring players could easily access fixtures, scores, and league tables.
The initial competition format featured teams of two men and two ladies, with matches consisting of two men’s sets, two ladies’ sets, and four mixed sets. Importantly, the agreed standard focused on true club-level players — those in the lower half of the current veterans’ leagues — ensuring the competition filled a genuine gap rather than duplicating existing opportunities.
The response exceeded expectations, with 19 clubs taking part in the inaugural season. The season proved a resounding success, delivering competitive matches, new friendships, and opportunities for players who previously hadn’t had the chance to play league tennis.
And with plans already underway to encourage even more clubs to take part in 2026, this competition is only just getting started
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner - Neil Glasspool from Edgbaston Archery & Lawn Tennis Society
This man’s dedication and outstanding contribution over many years have really transformed his club and the wider community. His weekly commitment, often involving many hours, goes far beyond the call of duty, making him an indispensable part of the organisation.
He played a central role when the club was named Club of the Year in 2023, and this award reflects not only his hard work but also his vision of what a thriving, inclusive club should be. Over the years he’s held numerous high-level positions within it —Men’s Captain, Vets Coordinator, Club Secretary, and is soon to take over as Head of House and Grounds — and in each, he’s shown himself reliable, humble, and with a deep sense of service.
He's very much the backbone of the club’s infrastructure, working tirelessly to keep the facilities in excellent condition. He devotes countless hours to maintaining everything from the clubhouse to the courts and his practical, hands-on approach saves the club a fortune, providing members with a safe, welcoming environment. I’ll give you one example: he gets to work with the leaf blower and brush to keep the courts clean, safe, and playable—especially over autumn and winter, when others might be tempted to stay indoors.
His contribution goes far beyond maintenance, too. He’s an impressive organiser, and an inspiring community leader. As Club Secretary for several years, he carried out complex administration with great attention to detail. He’s also an innovator: he set up a tennis ball recycling project at his club, which then expanded into neighbouring clubs – an example of his environmental awareness, and the positive impact he’s made on the broader community.
He's consistently stepped up to take part in team fixtures—sometimes in matches above his natural playing level — to make sure the club always fielded a full side. Once, when a player accidentally travelled to the wrong venue for a regional match, he immediately offered to stand in so the team didn’t have to concede a walkover. He’s committed to developing the players of tomorrow too, recently agreeing to captain a team designed to give juniors valuable opportunities to play matches and develop their skills.
He's been really influential within the local area, leading a weekly voluntary work group for unemployed young people. This has given them a sense of structure and purpose, and developed their life skills— boosting their confidence and community spirit.
His numerous initiatives have extended the club’s positive influence far beyond its members. One example is a weekly carers’ session he co-founded, offering a friendly, supportive environment for people who spend much of their time looking after others. He also helped set up a social group for those over 50 living alone - designed to help them combat loneliness and make new friends. Another popular initiative, a “tea and cake” event for players at the neighbouring botanical gardens has further strengthened ties between local organisations and created a wonderful shared social experience.
Our recipient doesn’t just volunteer— he’s dedicated to outreach and comes up with imaginative ways to promote tennis within the whole area, creating a huge impact. He’s involved in every aspect of club life, from the physical upkeep of facilities to the emotional well-being of those taking part in the programmes. His vision for inclusion, sustainability and care produces a ripple effect, improving lives both within the club and in the wider community.
This man has been nominated for his exceptional hard work, leadership, and compassion – and because he embodies the very best of community spirit.
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner - Ian Lang from Sutton Coldfield Tennis Club
Driven by personal experience as the parent of a son with a learning disability, this individual has worked tirelessly to ensure tennis is welcoming and accessible for players of all abilities.
In early 2025, Warwickshire Tennis was delighted to begin supporting his clear and passionate vision for increased inclusivity across the county. At the heart of his work is a strong belief in Disability Inclusion Training — building confidence, knowledge, and competence so clubs can deliver fun, inclusive tennis for all.
Throughout 2025, he reached out to a wide range of organisations, including the LTA, Tennis Foundation, Dan Maskell Tennis Trust, special schools, Mencap, and the Down’s Syndrome Society, helping to build strong networks and real momentum. He researched best practice from other counties, used social media to spread awareness, and travelled nationwide with his son, James, gaining invaluable first-hand experience.
His initial idea of an Inclusive Tennis Taster Day quickly grew into much more. When Sutton Coldfield Tennis Club showed interest in Special Olympics tennis, he played a key role in supporting its launch. Starting with just 10 players, the strongest feedback was simple but powerful — everyone wanted to come back the following week. The programme has gone from strength to strength.
He then worked with Warwickshire Tennis to deliver a Disability Festival in June — described as “an amazing event” filled with smiling faces, thoughtful touches such as certificates and medals, and outstanding organisation. This was followed by the creation of an Inclusive event at the County Championships in August — a successful inaugural competition within a mainstream tournament.
What truly sets him apart is his ability to encourage participation while genuinely understanding the challenges faced by people with additional needs. He ensures everyone feels comfortable, listened to, and valued — and always uses feedback to improve future events.
His leadership has helped Warwickshire Tennis raise standards, stay accountable, and move forward at pace in creating long-term, meaningful inclusion.
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner - Simon Haddleton from Edgbaston Priory Club
The winner of this award is the kind of organiser who embodies everything that makes tennis so special. Renowned for running well-organised, enjoyable tournaments, they ensure every player feels valued and supported, regardless of their level. Their fairness in decision-making is unwavering, earning the respect and trust of players and parents. With an eye for detail and a genuine love for the game, this person has set the standard for what a good tournament looks like, competitive yet respectful and challenging yet fun. A true role model within the tennis community, this person is a worthy winner whose dedication, integrity, and sense of fair play are inspiring.
This person has been involved in Warwickshire events for a number of years and has the respect of all players and parents alike.
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner -Luke Hammond from Warwick Boat Club
This award recognises a coach who combines technical excellence with leadership, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to athlete development. This year’s recipient has shown exactly what sets an elite performance coach apart.
Over the past year, this coach has demonstrated an exceptional ability to blend high-level technical insight with outstanding emotional intelligence — bringing out not only world-class tennis, but the very best version of the athlete as a competitor.
Under this person’s guidance, Julian Cash achieved a truly historic milestone, rising to World No. 1 — an accomplishment that reflects not only extraordinary on-court performance but so important sustained support behind the scenes. Of course, we all know about the amazing Wimbledon success for Julian alongside our very own Lloyd Glasspool. Julian and Lloyd have enjoyed a fantastic year with great success around the world. This coach has been instrumental in supporting this amazing accomplishment.
This person’s coaching is defined by relentless attention to detail and innovative training methods, while never losing sight of athlete well-being. The ability to adapt to the demands of the modern game — while providing stability and confidence — has been central to the success of this coach/player relationship.
Beyond the results, this coach exemplifies professionalism and sportsmanship at the highest level. Delivering a World No. 1 ranking is one of the most impressive coaching achievements of the season.
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner - Streetly Tennis Club
This thriving Tennis Club has made a major contribution to protect its future by making it more sustainable and significantly reducing its carbon footprint.
In 2019 the Club formulated a 10-year Plan with the two main aims to develop their playing and clubhouse facilities these included best environmental practices, reducing its carbon footprint, reduce waste and share best practices with members, the local community and other clubs
The plan was to install a new much more efficient heating and water system, controllable LED lighting and new efficient double-glazed windows and doors. The benefits being greater energy efficiency, improved comfort for members and visitors and reduced energy wastage.
Following the energy survey, they were able to identify the possibility of installing additional solar panels to add to the 16 panels installed in 2012, but this time with battery storage to maximise use of the electricity generated. In January 2025, 28 panels capable of producing 12.3 kW per hour were installed together with 30 kW of battery storage. During 2025 the system has generated almost 30% of the club’s electric and has exported 2.2 MWh to the national grid.
Those of you who have seen the ‘new’ clubhouse will verify as to the enormous success of this fabulous building transformation, even having a wonderful spectator viewing balcony!
Other areas of the Plan were to replace the metal halide floodlights, to regenerate the 10 courts in order to provide the best possible all year-round playing surface as well as increasing their lifespan. A full energy survey was conducted and the use of solar panels most successfully implemented
The 10 artificial grass courts are regularly maintained with a tractor and brush system, sand levels maintained and rejuvenated (cleaned and resanded) after 10–12 years. This has extended the life of the court surfaces to over 20 years, even after regular heavy use.
The club, after being affected by the “Birmingham bin strike” where waste and recycling collections stopped, took the opportunity to agree a new contract with Veolia to collect general waste and recycling.
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner - St George's School
Tennis forms a vital part of the curriculum at St George’s School, Edgbaston, encouraging pupils to participate regardless of their ability or experience. The programme is designed to ensure that every student can enjoy the sport, develop skills, and build confidence in a supportive environment.
Alongside timetabled curriculum sessions, students also have access to fun and fitness-based tennis activities, including cardio tennis, which is open to all pupils.
The after-school tennis sessions, held twice each week, are extremely popular and regularly attract more than 25 students per session. This high level of engagement reflects both the quality of the programme and the enthusiasm of the students.
In addition, pupils are offered professional coaching opportunities at Edgbaston Archery, located just a short walk from the school and set within the beautiful surroundings of the Botanical Gardens. This provides an inspiring environment for players to develop their skills further.
This year, 30 students enjoyed their first ever trip to Wimbledon, a major highlight in the school calendar and a truly memorable experience for everyone involved. This opportunity has further inspired students and strengthened their connection to the sport.
These teams provide students with opportunities to compete, represent their school, and develop teamwork and resilience.
The development of tennis at St George’s has been significant and highly successful, creating:
A strong sense of community
Improved confidence among students
Opportunities for different age groups to mix and learn together
This has fostered a genuine and lasting community spirit through sport
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner - Mini Tennis Stars
The winner of this award has set up a scheme that makes tennis accessible to children aged 18 months to 6 years, but is particularly welcoming to children with special needs. The scheme started in April 2024 and there are now 100 children on the programme.
The programme is run indoors at several community centres across Warwick, Stratford and Shipston, not at traditional tennis club settings. This has attracted new people and enables a comfortable environment for all participants through the year. It runs 48 weeks of the year.
The scheme is run by coaches who are passionate about inclusivity for all children but a relatively high proportion of children on the programme have additional needs like ADHD, ASD, dyspraxia, cerebral palsy and hearing loss. All sessions are highly adaptable and utilise a wide range of equipment and tools to support all children. They also include a quieter session, for those who may find noise overstimulating.
The scheme focuses on agility, balance, co-ordination and speed but, most importantly, the winners of this award want the children to have loads of fun with counting, colour recognition, shapes and games incorporated into the sessions.
As an example, one participant had delayed gross motor skills and balance issues since birth. He did not want to do any other sport and this was his first after-school club. His parent reported that, from not being able to hit the ball, he now has massively improved balance, coordination, strength, stamina and most importantly confidence and self-esteem.
When the children leave the programme, they are directed to tennis clubs in Stratford, Warwick, Kenilworth and Leamington, where they can continue their tennis journey.
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner - Birmingham University
This University is one of the fastest-growing university tennis clubs in the UK, based at its historic red-brick campus with 10 outdoor courts on site. The club has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation across every aspect of its programme.
The remarkable growth in 2025 is clearly the result of first-class management and leadership. The club provides varied, appealing and accessible opportunities for students at every level — from absolute beginners to nationally ranked players.
New members receive:
- A warm and welcoming environment
- Free racquets and equipment
- Free introductory coaching sessions
This approach has removed barriers to entry and encouraged more students than ever to get involved. The club offers one of the most comprehensive tennis programmes in the region with 4 men’s and 4 women’s league teams, Social tennis, Cardio tennis,Team and club sessions.
These are all supported by enthusiastic and highly committed coaches.
In addition, students can access:
- Padel tennis at two nearby venues
- Indoor courts for teams at EPC
This ensures year-round, high-quality playing opportunities for all members.
The club has become a thriving hub for tennis and padel within the Warwickshire student community. It provides a model of how university sport should be delivered
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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2025 Award Winner - Lola-Rose Ramsey from Kings Norton Tennis Club
This award goes to a young person who has shown great dedication to their local club, and in particular to the Youth coaching programme over the last 12 months. The winner currently volunteers 3 times a week at Youth sessions, working with a mix of ages from 5-year-olds up to 10-year-olds.
She is a fantastic role model for the younger children, especially girls, and has a kind and approachable presence on court. She turns up to sessions each week, no matter the weather, normally arriving earlier than needed to have enough time to help set up courts, and shows initiative at the end of sessions, packing away equipment, even packing away equipment from sessions she was not part of!
This person is at the stage of her education where challenges inevitably arise, but she doesn’t let them stop her commitment to her tennis leader role at the club, where she makes sure, she is there at each session.
This year, she also helped out for 3 weeks over the holidays at the club’s summer camps. She was a big part of the ‘Holidays, Activity and Food’ Camp, helping out children from the more deprived areas of Birmingham, many who had never played tennis before. She showed a patient and enthusiastic approach to coaching them, making the children feel like they can achieve anything on a tennis court!
Because of this individual’s efforts and commitment, the club has been able to increase the capacity in their sessions, in particular the LTA Youth Girls session on a Sunday, which has now become one of the most popular sessions of the week, capping out at a full 12 girls aged 5-8 years per session.
Due to this person’s dedication, the club is now considering a tennis apprenticeship next year, when she finishes Year 11, to help expand her role at the club and improve its coaching workforce
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Nominations for the 2026 awards will open 1st June
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