Congratulations to Queens Park Tennis Club juniors coach Jimmy Smith who last night won the 2022 Development Coach Of The Year prize at the Tennis Sussex awards.

Jimmy was chosen from a large field of candidates across East and West Sussex, the judges noting his outstanding contribution to juniors and disability tennis in Brighton & Hove over the last few years.

See Jimmy Smith photo gallery here

“We’re delighted that Jimmy has received the recognition he deserves,” says QPTC director Conrad Brunner. “He has transformed our youth programme since joining the club in 2018. We now offer the most comprehensive youth coaching schedule in the city, with regular groups, classes and holiday camps throughout the year. This is thanks to Jimmy’s drive and expertise over the last four years.”

Jimmy [photo: signing for QPTC in 2018] launched the popular ‘Amazeballs’ disability tennis group at QPTC, in association with Amaze Sussex, three years ago. He has also helped a number of his own pupils to graduate into coaching positions, notably junior members Alice & Jojo Moulds, Leah & Isaac Brunner, and Dylan Caddick, all of whom have all achieved LTA qualifications under his guidance. Many more are now following that path.

As well as his work at Queens Park, Jimmy also runs coaching programmes at St Ann’s Well Gardens, and at the Crew Club in Whitehawk.

“It’s a great honour. I could not have done this without the help of the coaching team at Queens Park Tennis. I’d like to thank coach Mel Bowden and the club directors who put their faith in me. Thanks also to the LTA and Tennis Sussex for their support,” said Jimmy.

“We’re looking to do more outreach work this year, build the programme bigger and better. We are planning more juniors tennis tournaments this summer.”