David Nana is the winner of the 2025 LTA Tennis Award “Young Person of the Year” in Middlesex. At just 21, David has made a lasting impact on university and community tennis. A medical student at King’s College London (KCL), David first picked up a racket at the age of five. Though he trained extensively, he never enjoyed competing and thought his tennis journey was over when he left for university. Instead, it was just beginning—through university tennis, he has rediscovered competition and now loves it. His next step? Helping more people enjoy university through tennis and making the sport accessible to all.
Growing Tennis Participation
As KCL Tennis Club’s 2024 Vice President, David helped it become the university’s largest sports club, growing membership by 66% and earning the prestigious 2023/24 BUCS Club of the Year award. Under his leadership, the club expanded training for performance players while also strengthening recreational tennis by employing homegrown players as coaches, allowing students to be earning a wage while studying.
Amongst David’s other achievements are revitalising the BeActive programme that enables 180 more students and staff to play weekly, boosting competition by adding two new teams, doubling BUCS training, and launching Box Leagues and a Play Your Way to Wimbledon event. He volunteers as an LTA Level 1 coach with Greenhouse Sports, inspiring young players.
Championing Inclusion
As KCL Tennis’ first Black leadership team member, David led the club’s first Black History Month event with Black Tennis Mentors, Tennis Black List, and Middlesex Tennis in 2024. The sold-out event drew 100+ attendees, raised over £200 for charity, and celebrated Black leaders in the sport.
A Legacy of Leadership
David volunteers with the Queen’s Club Foundation’s outreach programmes, including SEND initiatives. Now, he supports QCF’s Inclusive Player Pathway Project, promoting wheelchair and Para-Standing Tennis.
His selflessness, humility, and drive make him a role model, inspiring others to make tennis more inclusive and welcoming for all.
