The junior coaching programme currently has around 240 children attending group and individual sessions each week. The programme is growing even in the winter, with new enquiries coming in by word-of-mouth every single week. The strength of the current programme is in its development ethos, offering sound technical and tactical grounding from the earliest stage.

We have however diagnosed that there is now an opportunity for a performance coach to work with a small number of the children to enhance their programmes, take them forward in their competitive journeys, and ultimately, to help some of them to become county-level players.

There are currently 10 children who are receiving weekly individual lessons who we would move to the successful candidate, and which their current coach is comfortable with. Some may be interested in attending two lessons per week, or extending the length of their current session. We are prepared to be flexible with the days / times that the successful candidate works, so that they are able to work in another role alongside this position. The role will most likely encompass 5-10 hours in the first instance, however, it is our belief that it has the potential to grow significantly, should the candidate wish it to do so.

Growth opportunities include group coaching sessions, although this is not necessary in the first instance. The hourly rate and employment status for these hours would be negotiable. Furthermore, with 180 adult members, as well as 70+ adults attending group coaching, it is felt that this offers a further opportunity for the role.

The Totton & Eling Tennis Centre is an 8-floodlit-court venue located between Southampton and the New Forest. It was purpose-built in 2004 and was crowned the LTA's National Community Venue of the Year in 2018. With strong links with local schools and the community, the centre sets the highest standards for inclusive tennis development. Courts are available at all times for pay-and-play hire, and there is a strong membership base of 180 active players, 115 of whom play in the centre’s internal box leagues.

The junior coaching programme is centrally-managed and runs for 39 weeks per year, with holiday sessions running for around 6 weeks per year. The programme is outdoors, running throughout the year.

In all, there are around 480 regular users of the centre, including junior and adult coaching attendees, members and casual court hirers.

With a combined industry experience of over 75 years, the management team, which is also the family who founded the centre, has a significant passion for supporting coaches and helping them to develop their professional expertise.

The successful candidate(s) must be comfortable working with children aged 4 upwards, but always with an eye on maximising performance. They must therefore have demonstrable awareness of player standards, including how to help each and every player develop.

Experience of delivering a performance programme and / or attending county training either as a lead or support coach, would be beneficial. Experience delivering performance individual lessons, taking children up to county level and beyond would also be advantageous.

A passion for county tennis is a must, as we are keen to see a number of these players progress into the setup of Hampshire & IOW Tennis. We have a strong history of players we develop doing so, however, generally they have to leave our programme before reaching that level. Whilst we recognise that the very best will still need to leave, we are looking for someone who can help us to retain those players for longer.

The successful candidate must observe the highest professional standards, ensuring that they attend regular CPD, maintain their LTA Accreditation, and act as a beacon of good safeguarding practice.