A tennis coach who has championed inclusivity has been recognised for his crucial work at the Tennis Black List Awards.

Tatenda Makoni, 31, from Hatfield won the Game Changer in the Community Award which honours those who do incredible grassroots work in the tennis community across England, Scotland and Wales.

The Black List Awards celebrated tennis role models from the black and mixed black heritage community from players at the highest level to volunteers and their tireless efforts.

Makoni, who coaches at Gosling Sports Park, said: “I feel proud, the hard work is getting noticed. There’s a lot of work done behind the events and cameras, these awards give me the boost to carry on the hard work.

“It’s believing that anyone can do anything, regardless of your ability and even financial, it’s being able to show people that it’s all possible and not to have any excuse not to do anything that you want to do. People with disabilities can do it, everyone can give it their all.”

Founded by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo last year, the event marked the second year of the Tennis Black List, supported by the LTA, Barclays and YC Sports. In the run-up to The Championships at Wimbledon in nearby Roehampton, the awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.

The Tennis Black List follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List, demonstrating the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.

The event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners on and off court.

Awards were handed out in eight categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at the National Tennis Centre. Makoni is a level 3 tennis coach and promotes inclusivity through tennis, organising two national tennis tournaments throughout the year via the LTA, one of people with visual impairments and the second for those with learning difficulties.

Tennis Black List organisers Batson and Sackey-Addo said: “This was truly a night of inspiration and celebration of the black and mixed-black heritage communities’ excellence in tennis on and off the court.

"It’s been an honour to recognise a group of remarkable people who are the perfect embodiment of this.”

LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd said: “It was hugely inspiring to celebrate once again all the amazing successes and achievements of the black and mixed-black heritage communities – the 2024 winners are real role models to everyone.

"Our vision at the LTA is for tennis to be welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring to everyone. We know that seeing and celebrating the success of role models, inspires and encourages more people to get involved - whether as a player, a coach or a volunteer."

Serving excellence on and off the court: The Tennis Black List #TennisBlackList #2024TennisBlackList #TennisBlackList2024