We are thrilled to announce the winner of the LTA Tennis Awards for Avon Tennis County.
Obviously in this incredibly challenging year, it is important that all of the Winners and Nominees are recognised, but yet again the pandemic has been against us congratulating people in person.
Our aim, is to celebrate each winner individually, over the coming weeks, but here are some snippets of why the winners won.
Heather Forrest, Lifetime Achievement:
Represented her clubs to a very high standard, held multiple Club Committee roles. Sec. of Avon Tennis League, Initiated Mother and Toddler tennis encouraging Mums to take up tennis, played for Avon County Senior Tennis, qualified as Coach, started Walking Tennis group, recruitment, rapidly started a junior coaching programme over over 100 juniors, contributed significantly to an application to get flood lights at the club...and there's more.
Mike Kopacki, Coach of the Year, Development:
Words by 7 year old nominee "...Also, when my sister's coach can't find any cones, Mike helps her find the cones. I think this is really kind because he is teaching his own lesson but stops to help another lesson. The assistant coaches always tell us that Mike is the best teacher and we agree."
Martyn Bray, Coach of the Year, Performance:
"Martyn sees the importance of the team element of tennis and encourages performance players to take part in these team events for the enjoyment of the sport and the social aspect involved. Martyn works tirelessly to further the talent and enthusiasm of our young players in this county and his dedication to the sport and his pupils is unparalleled."
Henleaze TC, Club of the Year:
"At the beginning of April 2020, the club was expecting a drop in membership renewals due to the pandemic. However, with the impact of our new Head Coach, an improved online presence, and dedicated work by committee members, the club has increased (doubled) membership and court usage beyond recognition this year."
Lucy Hillier, Volunteer of the Year:
"Lucy has created a fundamental change in her tennis club across 2020, improving the opportunities to play for members, the relationship with the coach and opening the courts up to the public to book. Starting from an almost blank canvas she has set up a fully functioning Clubspark website."
Bristol Parks Tennis, Communities & Parks Award:
"Richard, as Operator of the three parks in 'Bristol Parks Tennis', has overseen a huge increase and unprecedented court occupancy levels across 2020. Seeing over 31,000 courts in the last 12 months and regularly seeing 100% occupancy in all venues in the summer months, Richard has facilitated over 6,000 people to play tennis on these parks."
Ben Hardwick, Disability Award:
"Ben demonstrates a real understanding and sensitivity to anyone in a group. With the Adult LD group he was great at getting the most out of all the 10 individuals who were playing plus to make sure all the care workers were involved and helping too."
University of Bristol, Education Award (University)
"University of Bristol Tennis Club (UBTC) continued to run online socials throughout lockdown providing a chance to bring members together albeit remotely to check in and have fun. UBTC innovated a Uni Tennis Club competition with 8 other University Tennis Clubs across the UK which encouraged students to cover as much ground as they could on foot or by bike throughout lockdown, students recorded over 3,250 KM."
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