The LTA Awards celebrate the achievements made by outstanding individuals and venues in tennis throughout the past year, from grassroots tennis to elite performance. They present us all with a great opportunity to say “thank you” to those who generously give their time to our sport and open up tennis.

Nominees will be judged at a county level, with winners going through to the regional finals. Like last year County Award Winners will be put to a ‘Shortlist Panel’ made up of a combination of LTA colleague, LTA councillors and past winners as relevant for each category.

The ‘Shortlist Panel’ will reduce the list from (maximum) 40 to up to 20. The National Panel will then decide a maximum of 5 National Finalists including one winner and four runners up, in addition identifying a maximum of 5 ‘Excellence Awards and Up to 5 National Finalists are then invited to the National Ceremony in April. Up to 5 ‘Excellence Award’ winners will be invited to a celebration day at an LTA Major Event in June.

Please ensure you read the full criteria below, before making a nomination. Nominations should reflect contributions and achievements within tennis or padel during 2026.

LTA Award Categories

Nominations now OPEN from 2nd June-30th November 2026.

Cathie Sabin Volunteer of the Year Celebrating an exceptional volunteer who has made a real difference in tennis or padel, notably in the past year.

Club of the Year Recognising an LTA Registered tennis or padel club that stands as a shining example of a well
governed, thriving and sustainable grassroots club.

Coach of the Year For a club or community coach making a big impact in their venue both on and off court.

Competition of the Year Recognising an outstanding, inclusive and enjoyable competition experience.

Lifetime Achievement Award Recognising an individual who has made an extraordinary, long-term impact on tennis or padel in a club or community setting.

Official of the Year For an LTA Official making an outstanding contribution to tennis or padel competitions.

Park Venue of the Year For an outstanding LTA registered park-based venue which has made an impact in making tennis accessible to their
community, notably in the past year.

Performance Coach of the Year Recognising an outstanding coach developing international juniors or 14U/10U
juniors on the player pathway.

Protect Where We Play Award Recognising a venue or initiative leading the way in promoting environmental responsibility within tennis or padel.

School of the Year Recognising a school or non-for-profit school network using tennis or padel to make a difference to students. Must be a LTA registered member of the LTA youth schools website.

Tennis Opened Up Award Celebrating those helping to break down barriers and open tennis and/or padel up to everyone.

University of the Year Celebrating a university making tennis including padel accessible and engaging for students.

Young Person of the Year For a young individual who has made a positive impact through leading or supporting activity in tennis
or padel. Must be aged 14 -24 as of 31 December 2026.

Tennis Sussex Stand Alone Awards

Robert Cushing Memorial Award – The award will be given for outstanding contribution to Sussex tennis in any capacity. It may be given to any individual or group, male or female, senior or junior, who has made, in the opinion of the judging panel, an outstanding contribution to tennis in Sussex. This may be through playing, management, administration, or any other form of support. Nominations for the award may be made by any Member as defined in the Articles of Association. All members should be reminded annually by the Board of the award and their scope to make nominations.

Colburn Plate – The Colburn Plate, named after Ray and Di Colburn, honours their years of dedication to the County Junior Championships and is presented alongside Young Person of the Year.

Sheppard Cup Girl – 14U Sportsmanship – The Sheppard cups are for players showing sportsmanship conduct with grit and determination for 11 to 14 years of age. (Nominations are made by Sussex officials and Coaches)

Sheppard Cup Boy – 14U Sportsmanship – The Sheppard cups are for players showing sportsmanship conduct with grit and determination for 11 to 14 years of age. (Nominations are made by Sussex officials and Coaches)

Howard Robins Girl 14U to 18U Sportsmanship – The Howard Robins awards are for a player nomination showing sportsmanship conduct for 14 to 18 years of age during 2024. (Nominations are made by Sussex officials and Coaches)

Howard Robins Boy 14U to 18U Sportsmanship – The Howard Robins awards are for a player nomination showing sportsmanship conduct for 14 to 18 years of age during 2024. (Nominations are made by Sussex officials and Coaches)

Junior/Adult Team of the Year – A Team that have made a significant impact or achieved significant results over the past year. This award recognises a team that have successfully utilised the skills of all members of the team in order to exceed the teams expectations. (Winner is decided by the performance team and Senior County Cup Administrators)

Team/Senior Captain of the Year – This award is recognising a captain who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment and sportsmanship through out the season. Sets a positive example for teammates and communicates effectively. (Winner is decided by the performance team and Senior County Cup Administrators)

Padel Player of the Year: This award recognises outstanding achievement by any Sussex Padel player – professional or amateur adult player. “This award will only be awarded should there be a worthy winner in a year.”  The judging panel will reserve the right to recognise up to two winners in any given year due to exceptional circumstances.

Padel Award – A individual or venue who actively promoting and growing padel locally, Engages with the community through events and tournaments. Demonstrates commitment to inclusivity by making the sport accessible to diverse age groups and skill levels.

Sheppard Padel Cup – The Sheppard cups are for players showing sportsmanship conduct with grit and determination for 11 to 14 years of age. (Nominations are made by Sussex officials and Coaches)

Player of the Year “This award recognises outstanding achievement by any Sussex player – professional or amateur adult player. This award was first awarded in 2023 and will only be awarded should there be a worthy winner in a year.”  The judging panel will reserve the right to recognise up to two winners in any given year due to exceptional circumstances. (Winner is decided by the performance team)

Junior Player of the Year Award (Boy & Girl) – “The Junior player (Male or Female) of the Year Award recognises young tennis players who both impress with their results on court and embody the principles of leadership and sportsmanship off-court.  The judging panel will reserve the right to recognise up to two winners in any given year due to exceptional circumstances. (Winner is decided by the performance team)

Pat McNamara Award – A player that contributes to the team by supporting, helping, working to support all players and aspects of the 18U County Cup. Perhaps using social media. Looking after welfare of fellow team players. Showing, enthusiasm, hard work plus cheering all team players on when not playing. This is Award voted for a girl from the 18U County Cup by team players and team coach captains.

Brian Edwards Award – This award is given to a player that contributes to the team by supporting, helping, working to support all players and aspects of the 18U county cup, perhaps using social media. Looking after welfare of fellow team players. Showing, enthusiasm, hard work plus cheering all team players on when not playing. This Award is voted by team players and team coach captains.