Bruce Cleland is both "surprised and honoured" to have been named volunteer of the year by Tennis Central which is made up of about 90 clubs.
Bruce's nomination recognises the more than 25 years of service he has given to local tennis as a volunteer, including 18 years as a president of the Stratford Tennis Club.
"I went to a meeting and came out as president," he says, adding that the habit of volunteering time and skill to things comes from his parents and grandparents. "They were always involved with things, so I grew up with that attitude."
Bruce followed in their footsteps at an early age, becoming treasurer of the Toko Tennis Club at the age of 17.
Giving back is important, we couldn't have played sport if others didn't give of their time and effort, so now it is my time to do the same for the next generation.
