Honour for club stalwart

Matthew Jordan, general manager and head groundsman at Cromer Lawn Tennis and Racket Sports Club, has been recognised as a top-four finalist in the highly prestigious 2025 LTA President’s Awards.

Matthew Jordan and Sir Trevor McDonald

He was nominated for the national honour in recognition of his “exceptional leadership, commitment to sustainability and tireless support of others within the tennis community”.

With 16 years of service to the Cromer club under his belt, his influence extends across East Anglia. He is an active member of Norfolk LTA and has shared his expertise to improve grass court facilities in Frinton, Felixstowe and Blofield.

As tournament director, he oversees major events such as the LTA County Week and the club’s flagship Grade 3 Junior Tournament, which draws more than 250 children and their families to Cromer each summer.

It earned the title of LTA Competition of the Year 2024.

A committed advocate for sustainability, Matthew has spearheaded a series of green initiatives at Cromer, including the installation of a borehole for court irrigation, a fully automated watering system, LED lighting and improving the insulation on the Edwardian clubhouse. He is currently leading a project to install solar panels and battery storage.

“Matthew is someone who quietly leads by example,” said a club spokesperson.

“His generosity with his time and knowledge – and his passion for grassroots tennis – make a lasting impact on everyone around him.

“We are thrilled that his contributions to tennis in East Anglia have been recognised at a national level.”

The ceremony, held last month at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton, was attended by the Duchess of Gloucester and a host of tennis stars, past and present.

The club’s annual open day will be held on Sunday, June 22, from noon until 4pm, when visitors are invited to try out tennis, squash, table tennis and pickleball, with professional coaches running free sessions during the afternoon.

All equipment will be provided, but if you want to play please take suitable shoes.

There will also be a barbecue, tea and cakes, a bar and other entertainment.