Council’s tennis court named Park Venue of the Year for 2024

Northam Town Council’s Westward Ho! park tennis facility has been named Devon LTA’s Park Venue of the Year for 2024.

The awards, held on 29 January in Exeter, celebrate the best tennis venues in the county, based on criteria such as coaching, accessibility, and opportunities to play. 

As a winner, the Westward Ho! tennis facility is now in the running for a national award, with the final winners set to be announced in April at the National Ceremony in London. 

Highly commended Excellence Award winners will also be invited to LTA grass court events in June.

Northam Town Council commented: “The Town Council is proud of the work it has done to secure the future of park tennis for its community. The Council’s staff, members, partners, and most importantly, the community, have all contributed to the success of the courts in Westward Ho!, which were refurbished with a grant from the LTA and Council funds early in 2024. To celebrate this achievement, the Council plans an open day at the courts on 1 June 2025, working with local partners to provide sessions for people to try tennis for themselves. More details will be announced in due course.”

The LTA awards, launched in 2015 with the help of former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, recognise the individuals and organisations dedicated to the growth of tennis across the UK.

Jess Downs, Workforce Support Manager at the LTA, said: “On behalf of the LTA, I’d like to thank the winners for all they do in tennis and padel. The contributions they have made to our sport are incredible. We are delighted to celebrate their amazing dedication to the game and the work they do in their communities.”