A group of eight North London tennis clubs recently gathered at Highgate Tennis Club to take part in a special Sustainability Pilot Project, exploring practical ways tennis venues can reduce their environmental impact while strengthening their clubs.
With growing awareness around climate change, the tennis community recognises it has a role to play. From player travel to equipment use, the sport generates a significant environmental footprint.
As Phil Veasey, Chair of Middlesex Tennis explained:
We all need to contribute to alleviating climate change effects, tennis no exception – just the logistics around 6,000 players travelling, and our collective ball consumption are mind boggling.
Why Clubs Attended
The evening was designed to help clubs identify practical, achievable steps towards sustainability while also benefiting their organisations.
Clubs explored opportunities to:
- Access potential funding for sustainability initiatives
- Reduce energy costs through smarter energy use
- Strengthen team bonding and club collaboration
- Lower their environmental impact
What happened during the evening
Following a welcome from Phil Veasey, June Kirkwood introduced the work of the Middlesex Green Team, which was established in 2024 to help clubs move towards more sustainable operations.
June outlined the Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, explaining that Middlesex Tennis is inviting all clubs and venues to join the journey towards a more environmentally responsible future for the sport.
Even small actions can have a collective impact.
The Green Team has already developed shared resources that clubs and venues can access, and they actively welcome ideas and contributions from across the Middlesex tennis community.
Energy solutions for clubs
Participants were then introduced to Bilal and Fran from Octopus Energy, who work with sports clubs and venues to improve energy efficiency.
Octopus Energy, which supplies 100% renewable electricity and gas, shared practical examples of how they are helping both consumers and commercial organisations — including tennis clubs — reduce energy costs while transitioning to greener energy solutions.
Practical sustainability workshop
The remainder of the evening focused on a hands-on workshop led by Livvy Drake, a sustainability and behaviour change consultant.
Working in groups, clubs explored realistic ways they could reduce their environmental impact while recognising the practical capacity and resource limitations many volunteer-led clubs face.
Each club was encouraged to leave the evening with three manageable sustainability actions they could begin implementing immediately.
Clubs hard at work during exercises
Early outcomes and ideas
The closing discussion revealed that many clubs are already taking positive steps towards sustainability.
Examples shared included:
- Switching to renewable energy providers
- Encouraging car sharing for matches
- Promoting cycling to the club
- Installing water collection systems to reduce water use
One example came from Ray, Manager at Coolhurst, who shared that he is installing a large-capacity water butt to help water the club’s grounds more sustainably — an idea sparked during the evening’s discussions.
For clubs earlier in their sustainability journey, the event provided an invaluable opportunity to learn from peers who have already begun implementing solutions.
It was encouraging to see clubs exchanging contact details and planning future meetings to continue sharing ideas.
Why sustainability matters for tennis
Middlesex Tennis has been working to identify ways the sport can make positive changes that benefit players, venues, communities, and the planet.
In 2024, the Middlesex Green Team was formed and is led by:
- June Kirkwood
- Desiree Fields
- Phil Veasey
- Sally Bentley (Coach at The Avenue)
The aim is to support clubs in making meaningful, practical improvements to sustainability.
As experience shows, people are far more likely to take action when they see other organisations like their own doing the same.
By sharing examples from this pilot project and from clubs already taking action, Middlesex Tennis hopes to inspire many more venues to follow suit.
Networking and collaboration
The evening was also a valuable opportunity for North London clubs to connect, exchange experiences and discuss shared challenges.
The event began with a delicious Thai buffet, giving attendees time to meet fellow club representatives who are equally committed to reducing energy bills, improving sustainable travel, and developing recycling initiatives.
Participants also learned about potential loan and funding opportunities to support infrastructure improvements.
Participating clubs
A big thank you to the clubs that took part in the pilot event:
- Fortis Green
- Wood Vale
- Highgate
- Hanley
- Our Lady of Muswell
- Bounds Green
- Stormont
- Coolhurst
Thank You to Highgate Tennis Club
Finally, a special thank you to Highgate Tennis Club for hosting a fantastic and productive evening.
Going forward
The event demonstrated how collaboration between clubs can help create a more sustainable future for tennis across Middlesex and beyond.
We hope to run a similar event in the Autumn so please email Ali, details below, if you would be interested in attending.
*The Green Team’s work in the sustainability won them an LTA Awards in 2025 and we are delighted that they have been shortlisted to go through to the National Finals in April 2026.
To reserve a place for your team at the next event please email Ali Ignatius at [email protected].
