LTA Tennis Foundation provides a unique insight into careers in tennis

The King's Trust's programme has been designed to open up the working world of tennis to young people from underserved communities in the Manchester area. Young people attended a weeklong course, delivered at The Northern Club by We Do Tennis, where they worked toward an LTA coaching qualification and completed first aid, and safeguarding courses. Alongside this they also took part in workshops that focused on different aspects of coaching, such as disability, inclusion, and park tennis.   

To put some of the theory into practice, the LTA Tennis Foundation arranged for the group to visit the Davis Cup and speak to LTA staff to understand more about their roles and the paths they had taken to get to where they are today.  

The group had the chance to experience being behind the scenes at the World Cup of Men's tennis.

They met with LTA Davis Cup Event Manager Catherine who explained all about event management and the types of skills you need to succeed – organisation, communication, and keeping calm under pressure to name a few! The group asked some really insightful questions including what she had studied, and what she would recommend is important for them to focus on if they were interested in a role like hers.  

Whilst at the LTA Fan Zone in Cathedral Gardens, the group were also able to have a go at padel on the temporary court that was built for the week of the tournament. This was a huge hit, with one young person saying “I didn't expect to have so much fun, and it was nice to compete against each other” 

Jordan Colclough, Youth Development Lead at The King’s Trust commented “Having the opportunity to take part in padel was brilliant for the young people. One individual, who is normally quite withdrawn, and hesitant to get involved, felt confident enough to have a go and really enjoyed themselves. Getting to try different activities like this is vital to help increase young people’ confidence.” 

The group then headed over to the AO Arena where they met Amy, the LTA Media Officer. Amy took them to the press room where they were able to see what happens when players come off court and do media interviews. The group were able to sit at the press table and conduct mock Q&As with each other.  

The group chatting with Amy, the LTA's Media Officer, in the Davis Cup press room.

Tom Gibbins, Head of LTA Tennis Foundation Development said, “It is vital for young people to have these experiences so they can see the types of careers that are available to them. It was fantastic, as one young person chatted about her passion for creativity and that she was doing a design course, and we were able to explain to her that design roles exist within the sports industry, which she was delighted with.

"It is great to see the programme from The King’s Trust have such a positive impact, opening up tennis in this way is exactly what we are aiming to achieve through the LTA Tennis Foundation funding.”  

Emma Grier, Partnership Manager at The King’s Trust said: “This was a valuable experience for the young people who took part in this Get Started in Tennis programme. They were able to learn about many different areas of this sector as well as the career opportunities available within the industry. The Davis Cup experience was a once in a lifetime exciting opportunity for our young people to attend. Thank you so much to LTA Tennis Foundation for funding this programme and providing them with this opportunity. And to We Do Tennis for delivering the programme with The King’s Trust.”