Ben Rogers is a Battery Commander and previously holding a demanding role at Army HQ he dedicates an extraordinary amount of time to tennis, as the Army and UKAF Men’s Team Captain. He is a serial Army and Inter-Services singles and doubles champion and in 2024, he represented England in the 35+ Four Nations and achieved GB squad selection for the 35+ World Championships.
Primary Events and Achievements
Over the 23-34 season he reached a career-high of 45 (singles) and 70 (doubles) in the International Tennis Federation 35+ World Rankings and late 2023 was 2 in GB. He is still the current Europeans Masters 35+ champion in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles events.
In September 2023, he competed for the International Club of Great Britain (ICGB) where he beat former professional world top 35 player Benjamin Becker. Late 2023 Ben captained St George’s Hill club winning bronze at the European Club Championships in Turkey and winning the 35+ UK National League defeating the top 16 GB nationally ranked clubs.
In February 2024, he won the Army Indoor Championships. Whilst studying his part time MA he was eligible to play for King’s College London. He helped them secure university league promotion and won the prestigious varsity match in March 2024. At Easter, he represented England as part of the winning team at the Four Nations and selected to represent GB at the World Championships in Portugal.
Despite a minor injury, Ben still won the +35 National Championships doubles title at Wimbledon, secured his sixth Army doubles title, and won his Inter-Services doubles matches against the RN and RAF.
During the Summer and Winter County Cups, Ben played first seed singles and doubles for Wiltshire, leading them to promotion in both competitions.
Other Relevant Information
Ben is the UKAF and Army Men’s Team Captain, organising fixtures and training. He leads by example, encouraging others, while cultivating a strong team culture. Deeply committed to fostering development and creating broader opportunities for emerging talent, Ben actively supports his Corps team. Unsurprisingly decided by peers, for outstanding contributions to tennis, Ben was voted the Army Tennis ‘Player’s Player of the Year’ for the second consecutive year.
He was awarded Wiltshire County LTA Outstanding Recognition Award for his services to Wiltshire. An active contributor to the ICGB committee he helped organise their centenary event in London, involving 35 countries with 800 participants for a week’s competition in London.
He volunteers at his local tennis club, officiates at junior county events, supports summer sports camps, and helps develop junior performance players. He also supports grassroots tennis for disadvantaged children at primary school in Amesbury.
Summary
Ben exemplifies a true sportsman but beyond his personal achievements on the court, he epitomises leadership, dedication, and passion for developing others. He has shown a balance of elite competition participation with selfless support to others, on and off the court, and is worthy of this award.
Article by:
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Ian ‘Geordie’ Haigs | Secretary/Operations Manager | Army Tennis Association | Army Sport