Our Power, Our Planet: How The West Worthing Club is protecting where we play

Setting the standard for sustainable sport

As a not-for-profit Community Amateur Sports Club, The West Worthing Club is an inspiring example of how grassroots organisations can lead the way in protecting the places we play sport.

From day-to-day operations to long-term infrastructure decisions, West Worthing has made sustainability a core priority. Their actions demonstrate that protecting where we play isn’t a single initiative, it’s an ongoing commitment.

A standout achievement has been the club’s investment in energy efficiency and renewable power. LED floodlighting has been installed across the site, significantly reducing electricity use while improving lighting quality for players. On top of this, 90 solar panels now sit proudly on the clubhouse roof, generating more than 100 MWh of clean energy to date. By choosing an electricity supplier that uses 100% renewable energy, the club has taken another meaningful step towards lowering its carbon footprint.

Smarter infrastructure, lower impact

Innovation plays a big role in West Worthing’s approach. Sensor-controlled lighting in corridors, changing areas, and indoor courts ensures energy is only used when needed, while thermostatically controlled radiators help heat spaces efficiently. Automated timers linked to the court booking system prevent unnecessary floodlighting, a smart solution that benefits both the environment and the local community.

Inside the clubhouse, further upgrades include double glazing and improved roof insulation, reducing heat loss and energy demand year-round.

Reducing waste and rethinking materials

The West Worthing Club has been leading the way on waste reduction for years. An early adopter of tennis and padel ball recycling, the club has been taking action since 2017. Recycling facilities for glass, plastics, paper and cardboard are used wherever possible, while recycled furniture has been sourced to extend the life of materials already in circulation.

Plastic reduction is another key focus. Players are encouraged to refill bottles using the club’s water fountain, helping to cut single-use plastics. In the café and bar, plastic straws, cutlery, cups and containers have been removed altogether, proving that small changes can make a big difference.

Supporting the economy

Sustainability at West Worthing also means supporting the local economy and reducing transport emissions. The club prioritises buying locally wherever possible, from padel courts manufactured in the UK, to canopies made in Sussex, and coffee roasted just two miles away in Ferring. Most suppliers are local businesses, reinforcing the club’s connection to its community.

Biodiversity

Beyond the courts, West Worthing is protecting and enhancing natural habitats. Trees and hedges are carefully maintained and replaced where needed, supporting long-term biodiversity. Local beehives within the club’s wooded areas produce award-winning honey, sold on site, a sweet reminder that sport and nature can thrive together.

The club also encourages active travel and shared journeys, supporting National Bike Week, promoting cycling and car sharing for matches, and installing new cycle racks to make greener travel choices easier for members.

Looking ahead…

Winning the Protect Where We Play Award is a milestone, not a finish line. The West Worthing Club is already exploring how to go further, with plans to reduce water use through smarter irrigation, enhance biodiversity with native planting and no-mow zones, and minimise food and non-recyclable waste across operations.

Future infrastructure upgrades will continue to prioritise energy-efficient heating, ventilation, lighting and smart technologies, ensuring sustainability remains central to the club’s growth.

To deliver the LTA’s vision of Tennis Opened Up and ensure that tennis is accessible and thriving for generations to come, it’s vital that everyone rallies together to protect the sport and The West Worthing Club have shown what’s possible when passion meets purpose, with their leadership showing how grassroots sport can play a powerful role in protecting the places we play.