ILMINSTER Bowling and Tennis Club has won the first round of the LTA Pledgeball League.

 

The LTA Pledgeball League was launched in June, coinciding with the Climate Coalition’s Great Big Green Week.

It aims to engage tennis venues, and those who play at them, across the country as part of our work to support, promote and encourage the uptake of sustainability practices across British tennis.

Ilminster was followed by Barnt Green Sports Club from Birmingham in second place with third going to 10is Academy Ely.

Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club has pledged to save the CO2 equivalent of 5.3 homes' electricity use for one year.

Gill Dunn, Chair of Ilminster Tennis Club, said: “We all have a part to play. We are only a three-court club, so I’m very proud of all our members.’’

Katie Cross, founder of Pledgeball, said: “Huge congratulations to those table-topping venues - so begins the movement to drive change as the tennis community rallies to collectively reduce emissions and protect where we play. I can't wait to see the huge impact this community has as this grows."

And a spokesperson from the Ilminster-based club thanked local support.

"Thanks to Ilminster Town Council who helped support the club development project South Somerset District Council who worked hard with us and the development grant they awarded Ilminster," the spokesperson said.

"We hope you can see the benefits of these facilities and the tennis courts you supported are now being increased participation , junior coaching , and supporting mental health through sport."

For the top three venues, two volunteers from each venue will have the opportunity to take part in a special sustainability-themed visit across the National Tennis Centre and All England Lawn Tennis Club.

Ilminster, as the venue that topped the league, also receive a bag of equipment to help engage more people in tennis, while a prize draw for all participating pledgers will also be made for Davis Cup tickets.

Abbie Lench, Head of National Delivery at the LTA added: “Our LTA Pledgeball League gives the tennis community a platform to take a stand on sustainability.

“During the grass court season, we had more volunteers, players and fans getting involved with Pledgeball. As more clubs and venues follow the lead of Ilminster, Barnt and 10is Academy Ely, the impact that we can have as a tennis community will become more and more evident.’’