At Pledgeball, we’ve always believed in the power of communities to create real, tangible change—and the 2024 LTA Pledgeball League was no exception. Partnering with the LTA for the second year, we worked with tennis venues across Britain to inspire action against the climate crisis, proving that small, collective steps can lead to a massive impact.
The league, running from June to September, invited tennis players and communities to pledge sustainable actions in their daily lives. Each pledge represented a carbon-saving commitment, and the venues with the most pledges each month won a £500 grant to further sustainability efforts.
Read about the LTA Pledgeball League.
A Year of Remarkable Achievements
This year’s league saw Sutton Churches Tennis Club, Ilminster Tennis Club, and Redland Green Tennis Club leading the charge, with Sutton Churches securing victory in two rounds. Together, participants across Britain pledged to save more than 1,420 tonnes of CO2 emissions, the equivalent of taking 310,000 cars off the road for a day.
For clubs like these, sustainability isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about safeguarding the future of the sport and their local communities.
Empowering Clubs to Take Action
Participation in the LTA Pledgeball League has enabled clubs like Ilminster Tennis Club to push their sustainability initiatives further. As Gill Dunn, Chair of Ilminster Tennis Club, shared, “Being a small club in a small town in the Somerset countryside, our facilities are really important for the local community, and the potential impact of things like flooding on tennis in Ilminster could be devastating for the club.”
Ilminster has already installed more bike racks and created a wildflower area to promote biodiversity. With the £500 grant from the LTA, the club is preparing for an ambitious project to replace outdated floodlights with energy-efficient LEDs. Gill emphasised, “The £500 grant awarded to us by the LTA will make a massive difference and will help the club to make even more progress in being as environmentally friendly as possible. The Club’s next project is a major one to replace the current floodlights with more energy-efficient LEDs, further demonstrating our commitment to quality and sustainability.”
The commitment of Sutton Churches’, Ilminster’s, and Redland Green’s members has given these clubs the opportunity to take direct action to further their sustainability.
Normalising Sustainability
The league has been a catalyst for change for Sutton Churches Tennis Club. Carolyn Jones, a committee member, said, “It’s great that members of our club are so committed to making a positive difference. The competition has made us much more aware of the small changes we can each make to reduce our CO2 output. Members from right across the club are more engaged and actively involved in climate positive behaviour and thanks to the LTA grant we can do even more to improve the sustainability of our club.”
Their success in two rounds of the league has motivated members to embrace more climate-positive behaviours and has allowed the club to pursue further sustainability projects with their grant.
Redland Green Club in Bristol, the final round’s winner, is another standout. With a goal to be net zero by 2030, they’ve implemented measures such as LED lighting, waterless urinals, and a reusable coffee cup scheme. Club Manager Adie Butcher highlighted the league’s impact and said, “We’ve been taking steps big and small to become a greener, more ethical club, and the LTA Pledgeball League has helped us to raise member awareness of this journey.”
Looking Ahead
The LTA’s commitment to sustainability continues to resonate with venues and players nationwide. Reflecting on this, Katie Cross, CEO of Pledgeball, said, “It has been an absolute pleasure working with the LTA clubs and venues and witnessing such incredible enthusiasm, dedication, and knowledge – the communities have such incredible potential to drive change that benefits both locally and globally. We are delighted to play our part in this.”
Jack Baker, the LTA’s Head of Public Policy and Sustainability, said, “We have been working hard to provide venues across Britain with the tools and resources to take positive action at a local level, however big or small.”
“Recent Storms Bert and Conal have demonstrated the impact that extreme weather events can have on the country, including sporting facilities. But it is really encouraging to see venues around the country working hard to protect the places we play and safeguard our sport for future generations, through initiatives that reduce energy use and carbon emissions, tackle waste, and support nature.”
As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue supporting venues, fostering community-driven sustainability, and amplifying the voices of those leading the way. The 2024 LTA Pledgeball League has shown that protecting where we play doesn’t just safeguard our courts—it ensures a better future for us all.
