We’ve Won. Twice.

We are absolutely thrilled to share some fantastic news. Southbourne Tennis Club has been named Dorset Club of the Year 2026 at the LTA County Awards and our very own David Sanger has won the Tennis Opened Up Award, recognising his exceptional work in making tennis more inclusive and accessible.

Two awards. One club. And we’re just getting started.

What do these awards mean?

The LTA Awards are British tennis’s most prestigious grassroots honours, celebrating clubs, individuals, coaches and volunteers from across Great Britain who are making a genuine difference to the sport. They’re fiercely competitive, the Club of the Year category alone draws entries from thousands of clubs across the country. To win at county level, beating every other club in Dorset, is something to be genuinely proud of.

The Tennis Opened Up Award recognises work that goes beyond the baseline, breaking down barriers, welcoming new faces, and making the game available to people who might never have imagined picking up a racket. David embodies everything that award stands for, and this recognition is richly deserved.

And there’s more…

Both categories now go forward to the LTA National Finals later this year. The national ceremony is held at the home of tennis, Wimbledon. We’ll be representing Dorset on the biggest grassroots stage in British tennis.

Enormous congratulations to David and to every single member, volunteer, coach and committee member who has played a part in making this club what it is today.

Come on, Southbourne!