Leeds Beckett University has been recognised as the University of the Year for 2024 by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), in honour of its efforts in nurturing top-level talent and strengthening British tennis.
The LTA Tennis Awards, presented annually by Lexus, celebrate the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of individuals in the tennis community across Britain. The ceremony, which took place at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, saw Leeds Beckett surpass Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester to clinch the prestigious accolade.
Noted for its status as one of the highest-performing sporting universities in the country, Leeds Beckett also received accolades for its commitment to inclusivity, having welcomed over 150 players into the club over the past year.
Former Leeds Beckett student and tennis sensation, 23-year-old Tom Horsfall, expressed his surprise and delight at the university’s victory, stating that he did not expect to emerge triumphant amidst such strong competition. Horsfall emphasized the tough nature of the competition and highlighted the victory as a significant achievement for the university.
Established in 2015, the LTA Awards, with the support of former LTA president Cathie Sabin OBE, aim to recognise the invaluable contributions of volunteers, coaches, officials, and players to the ongoing development and progress of the sport. Over the years, the awards have showcased the depth of talent and service within the tennis community, serving as an inspiration to others to engage in the sport.
Paul Johnson, Head Tennis Coach at Leeds Beckett, underlined the university’s commitment to ensuring accessibility for all abilities, emphasizing its role in supporting British tennis at large. Johnson emphasized the university’s tireless efforts in various areas to contribute to the success of British tennis and welcomed the recognition received.
LTA President Sandi Procter commended the award recipients, acknowledging the dedication and hard work of all individuals involved in the sport. Procter expressed admiration for the selfless sacrifice of volunteers, officials, and coaches, emphasizing the importance of the grassroots in bringing new players and fans to the game.
The LTA Awards serve as a platform to celebrate the individuals and venues that play a pivotal role in popularizing and growing the sport of tennis. The annual event continues to highlight the extraordinary efforts made by individuals and organizations to expand the reach of tennis and engage more participants in the game.
Overall, the recognition of Leeds Beckett University as the LTA University of the Year reflects its unwavering commitment to fostering excellence in tennis and contributing to the advancement of British tennis as a whole. It is a remarkable achievement that highlights the dedication and efforts of the university in shaping the future of the sport.