Call for tennis players to have say in cup future

A man has urged the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to give grassroots players a voice in deciding the future of a tournament.

Players from 44 British counties have competed in the Winter County Cup each November, but it was confirmed in October the annual three-day indoor team event would no longer be taking place.

Rob Salmon, from Hilton in Derbyshire, wants the competition to continue and has since launched a campaign called "LTA we deserve a say".

"County tennis has played such a positive role in my life and it is something that I love," said Salmon.

The tournament, which was played at venues across the country, is the second oldest LTA county cup event, having first been played in 1946.

But the organisation said the cost of running it was "disproportionately high" and it had an "obligation to invest resources in activity which opens tennis up to new and different people".

Salmon, a former tennis coach, said the LTA sent an email about ending the competition, and described the decision as a surprise.

"There was an email in October which went to the men and women captains of each county, saying last November's event would be the last ever.

"It was a bolt from the blue for players, captains and supporters. We were all asking the question of why."

The following day, Salmon set up the "Friends of County Cup" Facebook group, to "celebrate" county tennis.

"We all feel the LTA should have consulted everyone before making a decision with key stakeholders, ex-players, captains and supporters," he added.

Salmon said the Winter County Cup attracts around 700 players every year and "means a lot to people".

Professional tennis players also take part, including Britain's Oliver Tarvet, who reached the second round of Wimbledon in 2025.

"If there are challenges, I do think the community would have liked to have a say and provide proactive ways to address those challenges the LTA face," said Salmon.

"We want to be positive, collaborate and work together.

"We need to rebuild trust and see that they are serious about giving us a chance to have a say.

"The campaign is to celebrate some of the amazing things about county tennis.

"Let's put [the] Winter County Cup as it was back on the table."

An LTA spokesperson said: "We understand that some people feel passionately about the Winter County Cup (WCC) and are disappointed with the decision taken.

"We have explained the reasons for the decision, which we stand by.

"The cost of WCC is disproportionately high compared to other county competitions, servicing a small number of 'unique' players, and we have an obligation to invest our resources in activity that reaches a wide audience and opens tennis up to new and different people.

"We have committed to reinvesting 100% of the funding for WCC directly through counties into competitions and initiatives that reach and benefit a larger and wider player base, particularly junior players.

"This year we are reviewing county cup competitions more widely to understand how we can strengthen and protect them for the long term.

"This review includes investigating if a different format could replace the WCC. The scope of the review will be clearly defined, and we are committed to consulting with county cup stakeholders and groups."

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