Lead Tennis Coach
We have a great opportunity for a highly professional coach to further develop their skills and work within an established coaching programme at Whitecraigs Tennis Club.
This opportunity involves coaching all ages and stages. Working with children as young as 3 years old and through to adults of social and team standard.
About Us:
We are a thriving tennis program that caters to players of all ages and skill levels. Our mission is to create a fun, inclusive, and developmental environment for all players, from beginners to high-performance athletes. We believe in fostering a love for tennis through engaging, well-structured, and dynamic coaching sessions.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and skilled Lead Tennis Coach to join our team. This role is perfect for someone who is passionate about tennis, has experience working with a variety of players, and thrives in a collaborative and creative coaching environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Player Development: Coach children, adults, and performance players of varying abilities, helping them improve their skills and achieve their individual goals.
- Session Planning: Design and deliver fun, engaging, and progressive tennis sessions tailored to the needs of different player groups.
- Innovation: Bring new ideas to the program, including creative drills, games, and developmental strategies to enhance the coaching experience.
- Leadership: Lead by example on and off the court, inspiring players and supporting junior coaches in their development.
- Communication: Build positive relationships with players, parents, and the wider tennis community, ensuring open and effective communication.
- Initiative: Take ownership of planning, managing, and delivering coaching sessions, while also identifying opportunities to expand and improve the program.
- Tournament Preparation: Support performance players in match preparation, including technique, tactics, and mental readiness.
- Administrative Duties: Help manage lesson schedules, player progress tracking, and program updates where needed.
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Qualifications and Skills:
- Proven experience coaching tennis to a wide range of ages and abilities, including children, adults, and performance players.
- Relevant coaching certifications (e.g., LTA Level 3/4 or equivalent).
- Must have LTA accreditation
- Strong ability to work independently and bring fresh ideas to the coaching program.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a personable and approachable demeanour.
- A passion for tennis and for creating a fun, developmental environment for players.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple sessions and players effectively.
- Ability to adapt coaching styles to suit individual player needs and group dynamics.
- A commitment to ongoing professional development and staying updated on the latest coaching techniques and trends.
About the Club:
Whitecraigs Tennis Club is a thriving and well-established tennis community located in the heart of the Southside of Glasgow. With a proud history and a strong commitment to fostering a love for tennis, the club is a hub for players of all ages and abilities. Our mission is to create an inclusive, supportive, and enjoyable environment where players can develop their skills, make lasting friendships, and share their passion for the game.
Key Features of Whitecraigs Tennis Club
Facilities:
High-Quality Courts: The club boasts 6 Artificial Clay and 2 Artificial Grass all-weather courts, ensuring year-round playability. The courts are well-maintained and equipped with floodlights for evening play.
Clubhouse: A welcoming and picturesque clubhouse with changing facilities, a social area, and a bar/lounge for players and families to relax.
Practice Equipment: Access to ball machines, baskets, and other coaching tools to support lesson delivery.
Membership and Community:
Whitecraigs Tennis Club is home to a diverse and friendly membership base, ranging from young juniors and recreational players to competitive league participants and performance players.
A strong sense of community is central to the club, with regular social events, tournaments, and club nights for members.
Coaching Program:
The coaching program at Whitecraigs is comprehensive, catering to juniors, adults, and performance players. Our focus is on developing every individual’s game, from foundational skills to competitive match readiness.
The club runs:
Group coaching sessions for juniors and adults of all levels.
Private lessons for individualised attention.
Holiday camps for kids during school breaks.
Team training sessions for members involved in league competitions.
Essential Attributes for the role
1. Coaching Expertise:
- Qualified: LTA Level 3/4 (or equivalent) coaching certification, with a strong foundation in technical and tactical knowledge of tennis. Accredited with the Lta.
- Experience Across Levels: Proven ability to coach kids, adults, and performance players, tailoring sessions to meet diverse needs and abilities.
- Player Development: Strong understanding of player pathways, including skills progression from beginner to performance level.
- Adaptability: Ability to adjust coaching techniques and session structure to suit individuals and groups, ensuring every player gets value from sessions.
2. Communication Skills:
- Engaging: Clear, confident, and personable communication style that keeps players motivated and engaged.
- Relatable: Ability to build rapport with players of all ages, parents, and fellow coaches.
- Feedback-Oriented: Strong focus on providing constructive, specific feedback that encourages improvement while boosting confidence.
3. Leadership & Initiative:
- Visionary: Capable of leading the development of programs and introducing new ideas to enhance the club’s offerings.
- Independent Worker: Confident in managing your own schedule, sessions, and initiatives with minimal supervision.
- Team Player: Willingness to work with others and assist assistant coaches in their development.
4. Passion and Energy:
- Fun-Filled Sessions: Able to deliver high-energy, enjoyable lessons that foster a love for tennis in players of all ages.
- Motivational: A natural enthusiasm that inspires and excites players, ensuring they stay committed to learning and improving.
- Resilient: Stamina to maintain energy and focus during back-to-back sessions, including busy group programs and individual lessons.
5. Organisational Skills:
- Session Planning: Ability to plan, structure, and execute well-thought-out, developmental coaching sessions.
- Time Management: Punctuality and reliability in adhering to lesson schedules and managing multiple responsibilities.
- Progress Tracking: Capability to monitor and assess player development, providing insights to players and parents.
6. Creativity & Innovation:
- Fresh Ideas: Enthusiasm for designing unique drills, games, and activities that keep sessions dynamic and engaging.
- Problem Solving: Creative approach to overcoming challenges, whether it’s adapting to players’ needs or finding ways to energise a session.
7. Interpersonal Skills:
- Approachable: Friendly, empathetic, and patient demeanour that ensures players feel comfortable and supported.
- Community-Oriented: Strong ability to build and maintain relationships with members, fostering a sense of belonging and community.
- Positive Attitude: A professional yet approachable manner, always leading with encouragement and a smile.
8. Commitment to Growth:
- Professional Development: A desire to stay updated with the latest coaching techniques, strategies, and LTA frameworks.
- Player-Centric: Commitment to helping players reach their potential while promoting lifelong engagement with tennis.
9. Safety & Responsibility:
- Safeguarding: Knowledge and adherence to child protection and safeguarding policies.
- Risk Awareness: Ability to create a safe and secure environment for all players during sessions.
- First Aid: Ideally, first aid certified (or willing to obtain certification before starting role).
By combining these attributes, the ideal Lead Tennis Coach will deliver exceptional coaching that enhances players' skills, builds confidence, and fosters a lifelong love for tennis.
How to apply
If you are a motivated and creative tennis coach with a passion for helping players grow and excel, we would love to hear from you! Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and coaching philosophy to tenniscoaching.whitecraigs@gmail.com
Join us in making tennis coaching a fun, rewarding, and developmental experience for everyone!