The TCA 70th Anniversary            2026 NATIONAL COACHING AWARDS

Nominations are open to all coaches nationwide for the below career defining accolades.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN TENNIS COACHING

being presented at the renowned Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club Melbourne 16th Jan

The TCA Board is excited to announce that the 2026 Tennis Coaches Australia Awards evening will take place on Saturday 16th January 2027 [the day before the AO starts] at Kooyong LTC.

This year's award is a special event being the TCA’s 70th anniversary recognising best industry standards for excellence in coaching nationwide. The awards will be streamed online for interstate guests to view. We invite all coaches to either self nominate or encourage anyone involved in the tennis community to nominate outstanding coaches who deserve recognition for their dedication, innovation and impact on the game.

Let’s come together and celebrate the incredible contributions of tennis coaches across Australia!

TCA asks for nominations in three different coach categories. Please select the category you are nominating and email TCA administrator Deb Bolic at  [email protected] a brief summary of 500 words or less based on the selection criteria. There is no nomination form.

Contact Lisa 0407 050 060 if you would like to discuss your nomination.

Finalists will be notified in advance so they can prepare to attend the event. The TCA have other awards: Hall of Fame, Legends, Spirit of Tennis and Life Members selected internally by the board. These peer-reviewed, career-defining accolades are designated solely for long-standing service, outstanding industry contributions, or historical legacy, and are not open to standard self-nomination. Recommendations, though, can be sent to TCA by any TCA member.

“TCA coaching awards is the only awards night where coaches peer review, recognize and give tribute to other coaches achievements"

NATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR - 20+ years in the industry
The TCA’s most prestigious coach award, the George Gilmour Memorial Trophy is in honour of George’s legendary service to our board. It  is awarded to a club/centre coach who has a proven track record of providing outstanding coaching service at all levels for over 20 years and actively engages with their local community and club/centre to grow the game of tennis. Essential is a proven track record of high participation growing the game and creating a culture of coaching excellence.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Has been coaching full time in the tennis coaching industry and operates or owns an academy for a minimum period of 20 years.
• Holds a minimum of Tennis Australia coaching qualification - Level 2  Club Professional or level 3 Master Club Professional or High Performance coach.
• Has demonstrated outstanding contributions to the coaching industry by elevating industry standards e.g. conducts assistant coach Professional development opportunities etc.
• Demonstrates successful TA coaching programs and pathways which caters for all players.
• Has demonstrated long term loyalty and partnership with their club/centre.
• Fosters positive and respectful relationships with all pupils of all ages with great integrity.
• Has a proven record of connecting and marketing their club/centre with local community stakeholders to promote the game and increase coaching and team participation.
• Demonstrates strong school partnerships marketing and operating programs e.g. TIS programs, school coaching programs or connecting the school with their facility.
• Implements and creates a coaching environment with innovative, diverse and inclusive programs which encourage all individuals to participate in tennis and club/centre life.
• Executes a marketing plan e.g. website etc developing & growing tennis in their community.
  
  

NATIONAL RISING STAR AWARD - 35 years & younger

This award recognizes the achievement of an aspiring career driven coach, 35 years and under for their outstanding dedication, innovation and approach to tennis coaching and the industry.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Must be 35 years or younger and have coached for a period of 10 years or longer..
• All Qualified Tennis Australia Level 1 Development, Level 2 Club Professional or Level 3 Master Professional and High Performance coaches are eligible to nominate.
• May be self employed, operate their own academy, or be an employee of an academy.
• Demonstrates the drive and potential to be an industry leader.
• Has a proven on court record increasing tennis participation conducting TA developmental programs and/or has a proven record of accelerating the growth of talent development.
• May demonstrate other diverse industry skills and abilities beyond on court tennis coaching e.g. managing staff, conducting PD workshops, restringing, operating Pro Shop, marketing, administration, IT, events and or tournaments etc.

NATIONAL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARD - 25 years & younger

This award recognizes the achievement of a young, outstanding, assistant coach [employee of a company] considering a career in tennis coaching.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Must be 25 years or younger and have worked in the industry for a minimum of two years
• Be in the process or have completed the TA coach Participation, Trainee course or higher. 
• Able to coach most levels with enthusiasm and competence.
• Goes above and beyond with their attitude to coaching and assisting business operations.