10is Academy Ely has been named Club of the Year – Cambridgeshire at the 2025/26 LTA Awards, presented by Cambridgeshire Tennis and sponsored by Lexus.
During the ceremony, the LTA described 10is as “a truly innovative tennis club” that has built an impressive community despite operating on school grounds during limited evening and weekend hours. Running between 5.30pm and 10pm on weekdays and on Sundays, the Academy has grown to just under 175 members while delivering more than 25 hours of weekly coaching for children and adults.
Founded in September 2021 and based at King’s Ely, 10is Academy has developed a clear identity in a short period of time. The club welcomes complete beginners while also preparing advanced players to compete at high county and national levels. Its philosophy centres on personal attention, structured progression and an environment where players of all ages are respected, supported and enjoying their journey.
The LTA highlighted the club’s comprehensive internal competition system, including a structured box league and five one-day competitions each year. On the external stage, 10is teams have enjoyed sustained success in the Cambridgeshire and National Leagues, winning over 20 titles in their first four years. This winter alone, the Men’s 1, 2 and 3 teams each won their divisions, while the Ladies 1 team secured promotion.
Inclusion was also recognised as a key strength. The club received strong nomination for the ‘Tennis Opened Up Award’, reflecting its commitment to making tennis accessible. Junior SEND players from 10is were recently welcomed at the National Tennis Centre to play alongside Jodie Burrage — a moment that underlined the club’s belief that opportunity should not be limited by circumstance.
Each year, the Academy also organises a special coaching clinic with an international player or coach, including Dom Inglot, giving members the opportunity to experience the standards and insights of the professional game within their own club environment.
Reflecting on the award, Director Sebastien Scaux said:
“This award recognises the people who make the club what it is — the players who train consistently, the parents who support, the coaches who keep improving and our partners who believe in what we are building.
We didn’t set out to chase recognition. We set out to create a tennis club with purpose and direction. The award encourages us to keep raising standards thoughtfully while protecting the atmosphere that makes the club special.”
One comment shared during the ceremony captured the spirit of 10is Academy:
“There’s a real family atmosphere — people look out for each other, celebrate progress, and genuinely enjoy spending time together on and off court.”
Following the county recognition, 10is Academy will now progress to the LTA National Finals and Excellence Awards, where it will be considered alongside other county winners from across the country.
As the Easter holidays approach, courts at 10is remain busy with coaching, internal competitions and preparation for upcoming holiday camps, continuing the steady growth that has defined the club since its creation.
For many in Ely and the surrounding villages, the award confirms what they already experience each week: a tennis club that combines innovation, inclusion and competitive ambition with genuine enjoyment.
Want to learn more about 10is Academy? Visit www.10is.co.uk
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