Flagship tennis centre serves success at LTA Tennis Awards

York St John University has been awarded Regional Winner (North) in the University of the Year category at the 2021 LTA Tennis Awards.

The LTA Awards, launched in 2015, celebrate the many ways individuals, institutions and communities contribute to the sport.  

In 2020, York St John completed a £1m project, set to bring tennis to the whole community.  

Offering year-round tennis provision at the University’s Haxby Road Sports Campus, the Tennis Centre serves its growing student body, as well as school groups and the community without need for membership. The Centre’s coaching partner Down the Line Tennis Academy cater to all abilities, encouraging more people to discover the sport. 

This increase in accessibility, as well as the excellent sporting facilities including three indoor acrylic hard courts, were acknowledged with the LTA award. 

LTA Participation Development Partner Paul Sheard attended the University’s Tennis Centre on Thursday to present a certificate to York St John's Chief Operating Officer Rob Hickey, head of YSJActive, the University’s sports and wellbeing team, Becky Scott, and Director of Down The Line Tennis Rowan Moss.  

Rob Hickey said: “We are so pleased to receive this recognition from the LTA. Our tennis centre is there to benefit everyone and to bring people together. Sport can do incredible things, and we are proud to provide a space for people to play, compete and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits tennis brings.” 

Jon Hughes, LTA Regional Delivery Director, said: “The LTA Tennis Awards are a real celebration of the people that make our sport thrive. They celebrate the achievements made by outstanding volunteers, coaches, officials, venues and players, who are all vital in helping us to grow the game. This award celebrates York St John’s major contribution to the LTA’s vision to open up tennis and bring its benefits to more people. Opening indoor and outdoor courts to everyone means tennis can be enjoyed throughout the year and opens the sport to new potential players."

The awards were streamed on Thursday 24 June and presented by Great Britain Davis Cup captain Leon Smith OBE.  

The ceremony is available to watch back on the LTA’s YouTube Channel 

Find out more and book a tennis court on the York St John University Tennis Court Centre website.