Success at Awards Ceremony
Halton Tennis Centre (HTC) was honoured to be nominated for Club of the Year at the Annual LEAP Bucks and MK Sports Awards. HTC was invited to the awards night, along with two other clubs who were also shortlisted for the award. It was inspirational to be in a room full of worthy sports coaches, clubs and volunteers.
The evening started off with Dame Sarah Storey speaking about her life experiences and challenges, including winning gold medals in swimming and cycling at the Paralympics. The awards night had an Oscars-like feel, with the three nominees for Club of the Year being introduced and the winner’s name in a gold envelope.
Halton Tennis Centre won the award and was recognised for providing a welcoming, sociable, safe and inclusive environment. The club embraces people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. It has a dedicated team of volunteers who support a highly professional team of coaches and administrators to help the club uniquely retain a village club atmosphere, yet cater for both recreational players and international athletes alike.
The club prides itself in producing young athletes, who have gone on to play at Junior Wimbledon and who have junior and senior world rankings. Its coaches regularly go into schools to help increase the number of kids playing tennis. Its members play in organised sessions every day of the week, as well as represent the club in matches at all levels.
The participation levels have doubled in the past couple of years, with the club building on its status as the national disabilities tennis Hub of the Year awarded by the Tennis Foundation. With the help of their main sponsor Alamac, as well as close association with the likes of PACE and the National Spinal Injuries Unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Halton Tennis Centre is able to deliver disability tennis to a wide section of the community, both at HTC and at Stoke Mandeville Stadium. This happens all-year-round, in rain or snow, for children and adults of all abilities, including some who are visually impaired, are in a wheelchair, are hearing impaired, as well those with other special needs, such as Down’s Syndrome, Autism and general learning and/or behavioural difficulties. For some, their goal might be to build their fitness level, meet new people, or build their confidence. Whatever their goal, the coaches and staff are on hand to support and encourage them. The club is constantly developing its offering, as well as holding regular open days and targeted sessions. Anyone who is interested should go to www.haltontennis.co.uk to find out more.