Epping head coach Matt Smith has won the AEGON coach of the month award.

The level four qualified LTA senior club coach won the prestigious award after AEGON thought he made the most impact on British tennis last month.

The conribution to many projects has helped the Essex club establish links with five primary schools and one secondary school.

Box Education Programme in Epping has also benefited from Smith’s efforts, with him motivating and encouraging young people from the programme to start playing tennis.

Smith will also be coaching with the sport development section of Epping Council and will soon be delivering tennis coaching in the community, based at Epping Sport Centre.

Earlier this year, Smith organised a coach trip to Wimbledon via funding supported by ECC Essex Youth Opportunities, with more than 70 young people and their families being given a tour around its tennis centre. He also has started a programme called Cardio Tennis, which promotes improving fitness in a fun and healthy way.

For further details on Epping Tennis Club, tennis coaching or any of the programmes at the club, go to www.eppingtennisclub.co.uk or contact Matt Smith on 07743 378055.