TENNIS: Hallamshire retain their local ‘Club of the Year’ title

There are many people who contribute to these types of award, but special mentions went to former club manager Matt Whittaker and assistant manager Jayne Bonner who, along with the management team, staff and The Academy head coaching team Dave Marray and Jason Torpey, were instrumental in the putting together the bid for the award.

Over the last five years in particular, the club has gone from strength to strength - from the professionalism in which it is run behind the scenes, to the improvement of the facilities and increase in membership.

The club works in partnership with Sheffield’s premier coaching provider, The Academy.

This partnership is a model of how clubs and professional coaching services can work together to achieve a vibrant, balanced and inclusive club culture to its members and the wider community.

Bonner said: “The Hallamshire is a not for profit organisation, which is run by a management team along with a board of voluntary directors who represent all members. 

“In 2015 the club completed a number of projects which came directly from a survey of the members.  The improvements included refurbishment of the gents changing rooms and shower facilities as well as changes to all indoor and outdoor lighting to LED to reduce our carbon footprint.

“The staff and board want members to have their say and this shows that the club listens and acts on their suggestions where we can.  It is amazing that we have won ‘LTA Yorkshire Club of the Year’ for the second year running, and is testament to teamwork from top to bottom. We hope our successful model will give us a strong chance of contesting the regional award.”

Torpey added: “our role is to provide the club with a quality tennis programme for its members. This doesn’t just include coaching but also social events and competition as well as reaching out to the wider community with our schools and disability programme.

“The management structure has allowed us to grow just as we have helped the club retain and grow its membership through the services we provide. All in all it’s a win-win for everyone involved. The Academy aims to provide the best possible service and advice to those who access the club and we do this by making sure we have a team of dedicated coaches who have worked tirelessly to deliver just that.

“The YLTA club of the year award is recognition of this dedication and everyone form the board of directors, tennis committee, management and staff deserve credit.”

The club will now be put forward to the Aegon-sponsored regional North of England club of the year award, which will be held in the early part of next year. The regional winners will represent the North of England at the national club of the year awards in June in London.

To find out more about the club and the tennis programme, visit www.hallamshiretennis.co.uk (0114 2662153) or www.theacademy.tennis ([email protected]).