Anne Nicholls is one of those people who simply doesn’t take no for an answer. If something needs doing, she finds a way to make it happen. Her dedication to making tennis more inclusive has had a huge impact at Mayfield Tennis Club, where she has been a driving force behind its disability programmes. This year, her incredible efforts have been recognised as she was named the winner of the LTA Cathie Sabin Volunteer of the Year Award.
Anne gives her time selflessly to people and projects she believes in. As a mother of five children, two of whom are neurodiverse, she understands first-hand the challenges faced by people with learning difficulties and disabilities, as well as their families and carers. That understanding is at the heart of everything she does.
She met Lily Mills over ten years ago at Mayfield Tennis Club, and they have been inspiring each other ever since. When Lily was invited to compete at the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi in 2019, Anne was the first to step up, organising fundraisers to make sure she could go. The hard work paid off—not only was it an incredible experience for Lily and her mum, Tallulah, but Lily also came home with two gold medals.
Since then, Anne has organised countless fundraisers—not just for Lily, but for the wider inclusive programmes she runs at Mayfield. One of the best examples is the Saturday disability sessions, which have become a key part of the club. Every Saturday, around 15 players of all ages show up—rain or shine—for their tennis session. The club fully supports the programme, offering courts for free during prime time. But just as important as the tennis is what happens afterwards: tea and cake in the clubhouse, where parents, players, and members chat, make friends, and share experiences. It’s about so much more than just sport—it’s about community and belonging.
Anne’s commitment to inclusive sport took another step forward in 2023, when she and her husband went to watch Lily compete at the Special Olympics in Berlin. What was meant to be a one-day visit turned into a full week—they were completely swept up in the spirit of the Games. Inspired by what they saw, Anne came back and, with the help of Mayfield Tennis Club and its incredible members, organised their first-ever weekend-long learning disability tournament last summer. It wasn’t easy, but with the club giving its courts for free all weekend, a group of dedicated volunteers stepping up, and the entire Mayfield community behind it, the event was a huge success. 34 players took part, and for everyone involved—players, families, and supporters—it was a weekend to remember.
But that’s just who Anne is. Where others see challenges, she sees possibilities. And thanks to her determination—and the unwavering support of Mayfield Tennis Club—tennis is becoming more inclusive for everyone.
