Renowned and diligent tennis coach, Tony Wright, has been honoured for his exceptional contributions at Kidderminster Tennis Club, by clinching the esteemed Development Coach of the Year 2024 accolade in the County Lawn Tennis Association’s LTA Tennis Awards (Herefordshire & Worcestershire). With 13 years of tenure as the club’s head coach under his belt, Tony expressed elation and gratitude upon receiving the award, which was prompted by nominations from parents and players.
In collaboration with his wife, Lisa, who serves as the assistant coach, Tony spearheads a range of coaching sessions catering to both junior and adult players, including cardio tennis, adult beginners, walking tennis, and junior tennis sessions. Their unwavering commitment and devotion to the sport has garnered widespread recognition, as they continue to exert a significant influence within the community.
Upon receipt of the award, Tony conveyed his appreciation, stating, “I was thrilled and honoured to receive this award and to be recognised at the highest level from the LTA. It’s a big thing to win – all the coaches crave it on their CV.” He also expressed anticipation for the regional finals, a milestone that further cements his status as an exceptional tennis coach.
In addition to his role at the Kidderminster Tennis Club, Tony also provides individual lessons, guiding numerous junior players to triumph in LTA Ratings Tournaments across the Midlands and beyond. Many of these players have gone on to represent the club and even the county in junior team matches, underscoring the profound impact of Tony’s coaching expertise.
This is not the first instance in which Tony’s exceptional coaching prowess has been acknowledged, as he previously received the sports coach of the year title from the Wyre Forest District Council in 2012 and 2015. Moreover, his remarkable coaching abilities led to an accolade as a runner up in the LTA’s children’s tennis coach of the year in 2015, reaffirming his unwavering dedication and commitment to the sport.
For those keen on experiencing the sport first-hand, Kidderminster Tennis Club will be hosting an open day on Sunday April 21, offering an opportunity for individuals of all ages to engage in tennis for free. This presents a splendid occasion to interact with the sport and potentially cultivate a newfound passion for tennis.
In light of this recognition, it is apparent that Tony’s steadfast dedication and commitment to tennis coaching has positively impacted the community and inspired numerous players to thrive in the sport. His achievements stand as a testament to his exceptional coaching abilities, and his sustained success is a source of celebration and admiration within the tennis community.