Phil Shaw receiving his award from Phil Jessop with tennis players at Beacon Park

A Lichfield volunteer has netted a national tennis award.

Phil Shaw receiving his award from Phil Jessop with tennis players at Beacon Park
Phil Shaw receiving his award from Phil Jessop with tennis players at Beacon Park

Phil Shaw, from the Tennis for Free initiative in Beacon Park, has been named the organisation’s UK volunteer of the year for 2017.

He received the accolade after judges described how his efforts had helped to set up a charitable trust to take over the running of the courts from Lichfield District Council, as well as spearheading plans to re-surface the facility and install floodlights.

Phil said: “It’s an honour to receive this award and I’m very humbled.

“Beacon Park Tennis For Free is a team effort and to be surrounded by so many friendly and funny people who play with me every week, whatever the weather, makes me want to make a difference and with hopefully new courts and floodlights, we as a group will have achieved so much.”

Tennis For Free is a UK charity which aims to create opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to take up the sport.

Paul Jessop, the organisation’s chief executive, said: “The judges found this year’s awards particularly difficult to mark because of all the amazing stories – but Phil’s story stands out.

“To take a brand new group of people and create a charitable trust with aims of major funding for new facilities in just two years is a testament to his drive, determination and ability to galvanise a group of people.

“Beacon Park is a simply a blueprint for Tennis for Free. But we also want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved at Beacon Park – coaches, volunteers, supporters and of course the players.”

Tennis For Free sessions run at Beacon Park every Sunday between 2pm and 4pm. To register visit www.beaconparktennis.co.uk.

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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Ann
6 years ago

Well done!