Mark Bullock receives Development Coach of the Year Award from MP Sarah Olney

Bullock has helped blaze a trail for disability sport at Sheen Park Tennis, delivered pop up tennis for the homeless in Hammersmith and was part of a coaching team that delivered a face-to-face Wheelchair Tennis Camp at Lee Valley following a series of online sessions.

The LTA Tennis Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of outstanding tennis volunteers, coaches, officials, venues and players across the country, and Bullock was hand-picked as one of 16 national winners recognised at the awards ceremony, which honoured individuals involved in tennis at grassroots, county, regional and national level.

Bullock is a pioneer in the delivery of inclusive tennis. He coaches wheelchair, visually impaired and learning disability tennis sessions and during lockdown he produced tennis related content for YouTube and social media channels, as well as appearing on several podcasts.

Sarah Olney said: “Through his coaching, Mark has made an incredible impact on the lives of so many people across London.

“Not only is he coaching the next generation of tennis stars, but he has also demonstrated real inclusivity through his pop-up sessions for the homeless and his work on disability tennis. 

“This award is a testament to the work Mark has done and I was delighted to be at Sheen Common to present it to him myself.”

LTA President, David Rawlinson said: “The time, attention and dedication that Mark puts into opening tennis up to his local tennis community is truly inspiring.

“His devotion to coaching tennis and ensuring it is accessible and inclusive to all participants, especially throughout lockdown, shows how important he is for tennis across London, and why he is a such a worthy winner of the Development Coach of the Year Award.”