The Middlesex Tennis Green Team was thrilled to receive the Protect Where We Play Award 2026. And to be selected as a national finalist in the 2026 LTA Awards.
It was gratifying to have the whole team’s time and effort recognised as they build a pathway towards a more sustainable future for Middlesex Tennis venues.
June Kirkwood, speaking on behalf of the Middlesex Tennis Green Team, answered a few questions for us:
Six months on, what does winning the award mean to you now?
There are so many volunteers across the tennis community who support every level of the game and dedicate many hours to their work. Although sustainability may still be considered relatively niche in this context, contributing to a more sustainable future for Middlesex Tennis venues—and having that work recognised—continues to feel very special to us.
Has winning the award opened up any new opportunities for you?
Attending the 2026 LTA Awards National Finals together was a first for some Green Team members and gave us the opportunity to visit the National Tennis Centre at Roehampton. One team member also received tickets to Wimbledon in recognition of our achievement, which was brilliant.
Overall, it has been a wonderful experience for the team.
What has been your proudest moment since receiving the award?
Personally, our links with Middlesex Tennis and the Green Team’s work led to a professional introduction to Centenary Tennis Clubs Association, part of the Green Tennis movement. This resulted in the opportunity to be part of a team developing a Green Tennis Toolkit to help tennis venues take practical steps to reduce their impact.
The Toolkit is currently being piloted, including by two Middlesex clubs, with the aim of making it available to tennis venues across Europe.
Have you noticed any changes in how people view or support your work since winning?
The Green Team’s progress would not have been possible without the leadership and support of Phil Veasey, Chairman, and Désirée Fields, Sustainability Representative on the Board of Middlesex Tennis. Their energy, enthusiasm and vision have played—and continue to play—an integral role in moving the Green Team forward.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about putting themselves forward for an award?
Receiving an award can provide the impetus to go a little further and push yourself harder; even being nominated can give you a real lift.
So many people contribute a great deal and deserve recognition, from club and park level through to Middlesex Tennis itself. It is well worth taking the time to nominate yourself or a colleague for an award.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you and what are you hoping to achieve?
After a long, very hot summer, it is clear that the climate is changing and that we all need to take steps to reduce our impact.
As the Green Team, we are here to support venues across Middlesex Tennis in taking action, whether big or small.
Once the Green Tennis Toolkit is ready, we aim to share it with venues and events across the county so that, together, we can make a difference.
What are the LTA Awards?
Celebrating excellence in British tennis and padel.
The LTA Awards, presented by Lexus, shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements and contributions of individuals and organisations across Great Britain.
First launched in 2015 by former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, these awards celebrate the passion, dedication, and hard work of some of the 20,000 volunteers, coaches, clubs, parks and officials who give their time to support and grow tennis and padel across the country.
The awards recognise the people who are making a real difference in their communities and offer an opportunity to say thank you to those inspiring others to get involved, supporting their local clubs, and helping create welcoming, accessible opportunities for everyone to play.
Deadline for Nominations for 2026 Awards
Who’s Your Tennis or Padel Hero?
Deadline is 30th November.
More about the LTA Awards
