Newport Live’s tennis programme and coaches have been nominated in three categories at the 2021 Tennis Wales Awards.

This year’s awards have recognised the hard work and commitment of 4 members of Newport Live’s tennis coaching team, Luke Difranco and Will Croft for Development Coach of the Year Award, and Chloe Thomas and Alfie Ottery for Young Person of the Year Award. Newport Tennis Centre has also been nominated for the Community & Parks Award for its work within the community.

In collaboration with the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), Tennis Wales annual awards recognise and rewards the extraordinary contributions of those who have helped to open the sport up to new audiences as well as celebrate individuals and venues that make a difference in their local community.

Luke Difranco, Tennis Manager for Newport Live said “We are thrilled to have received 5 nominations for our tennis programme and it is a testimony to the determination and creativity of our team. At Newport Tennis Centre we have worked incredibly hard over the past few months in re-developing a Covid safe tennis programme to ensure as many children and adults can play tennis in a safe environment when we are able to welcome people to our facilities. During lockdowns, the team have engaged with Tennis Wales CPD Courses and worked hard to maintain professional standards off the court during these difficult times. Having recognition of the work we are doing at the Tennis Centre is extremely rewarding for all of my team involved as we continue to deliver tennis for the citizens of Newport and beyond.”

Andrea Ovey, Director of Business Development for Newport Live said "Luke and the team have worked tremendously hard over the last 12 months, they are commitmented to promoting tennis and developing programmes that are inclusive and avaiable to all,. Huge thanks and congratulations to Luke and the team, we're immensly proud of them."

2020 was an extraordinary year that saw the sport navigate through a difficult period as the pandemic saw tennis centres close to the public during periods of lockdown and several big tournaments either being postponed or cancelled. In line with Welsh Government guidance, Newport Tennis Centre is closed to the publics as part of the national effort to bring coronavirus under control.

As in previous years, the Welsh winners will go forward to the LTA’s judging panel along with the regional winners from across England and Scotland. 30 outstanding individuals and venues will then be shortlisted as national finalists and be invited to the LTA Tennis Awards national ceremony in July 2021, where 12 overall winners will be crowned.

Newport Live is a non-profit distribution organisation and registered charity, which means the money we make is put back into the services and facilities we offer – so Newport Live customers help us to support our local community.

To find out further information about Newport Live tennis programme visit the Newport Live website at newportlive.co.uk/tennis.