Meet Rachel Roberts: The Scotland-based Head Coach inspiring more women & girls to play tennis
• 4 MINUTE READ
Nestled in the heart of Bishopton to the west of Glasgow is Bishopton Tennis Club, which was founded in the 1920s, and was initially established to offer the local factory workers a place to exercise and develop social connections. Thanks to a generous donation from a local benefactor, the club was gifted to the residents of Bishopton and the courts and clubhouse are now owned by the club.
Today, Bishopton Tennis Club remains at the heart of the community, with three outdoor courts and a vibrant social scene. A new neighboring development, Dargavel means that more residents than ever can easily access the club, promoting a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.
One of the club's volunteers is Lorna, who discovered her love for tennis later in life after retirement. Initially hesitant to join, she was convinced by the welcoming spirit of the club members.
"Would anyone welcome a beginner?” she thought. However, her experience turned out to be transformative, leading her to become an active committee member. She joined a committee of eight hard working volunteers with women in several key positions. The President, the Treasurer and the Social and Media Officer, all women.
Her latest initiative has been securing floodlights for the courts, thanks to support from a Quick Access Loan funded by the LTA Tennis Foundation.
In addition to extended hours of play, the floodlights will enhance the club's community efforts by supporting after-school sessions for children and young people, extending social evenings, and offering additional coaching opportunities.
The club is keen to attract more female members with the extended playing hours and already has several programmes to help with this. Every Thursday, a group of women in their 70s and 80s play, and Lorna finds them inspiring. She says, “I play with them twice a week and they make me run all over the court—they always know exactly where to hit the ball!”
Newly appointed Head Coach Rachel plays a crucial role in community engagement, offering girls-only tennis sessions at the local school. These sessions were originally mixed gender but became more popular after Rachel talked with the PE teacher to find better ways to get the girls involved. This change shows how important it is to create welcoming spaces for young players.
We had the opportunity to speak with Rachel about her path to becoming Head Coach, and what first inspired her love of coaching.
What was it that inspired you to become a coach?
I have been playing tennis for 22 years, and coaching for ten. My tennis journey all started when a coach from the local tennis club came to my primary school to do a taster session when I was in primary one. From that point onwards, I was hooked. I loved playing tennis, watching the pros play on the tour and competing in West of Scotland leagues and tournaments.
How did you get into coaching?
I first thought about coaching when I had the chance to help out at tennis summer camps, and that's when I really discovered my love for teaching. It was such a rewarding experience, being able to share my passion for tennis with the next generation. Watching the kids learn and improve while having fun on the court made me realise how much I enjoy coaching. It inspired me to keep going, as I felt like I was making a real impact by passing on what I’ve learned and helping others grow in the sport I love.
After the summer camp I continued assisting at tennis classes whilst at college studying health, fitness and exercise to get a personal training degree. Whilst at college, I completed my LTA Level 1 and 2 qualifications and soon went on to complete my LTA Level 3 Coach qualification shortly after leaving college. In 2022-2024, I achieved my LTA level 4 club coach qualification at the Lexus Nottingham Tennis Centre.
What is it about tennis that you enjoy the most?
What I love about tennis is how it’s both physically and mentally rewarding. The sport challenges me to stay sharp, improve my skills, and push my limits. It’s not just about the physical workout; it also keeps my mind engaged, requiring focus and strategy with every point. Plus, there’s something about being on the court that feels freeing. Playing tennis is a perfect way to unwind even after a long day of coaching.
Believe in yourself, keep learning and stay authentic. Confidence is key. There will be challenges but trust in your abilities and knowledge. Your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s.
What are you most looking forward to in your role with the club?
I am most looking forward to sharing the sport I love with a new generation of young players and helping them achieve their goals.
My role is to develop a coaching programme providing classes for all ages and abilities, deliver tennis sessions in local schools and nurseries, develop the team players and increase the number of members. I am already loving my new role at Bishopton Tennis Club.
Do you have any advice for aspiring female coaches?
Believe in yourself, keep learning and stay authentic. Confidence is key. There will be challenges but trust in your abilities and knowledge. Your voice matters just as much as anyone else’s.
Is there anything that you feel you bring to the head coaching role that is different because you are female?
Being a woman in sport, and in the head coach role, I believe I bring a unique perspective to coaching which is ultimately shaped by my experiences growing up in the sport. I prioritise creating a supportive, empathetic and collaborative environment where every player feels heard and valued, and I believe this helps build trust and creates a safe space for everyone.
My experiences have also taught me how to overcome challenges and persevere in environments where female leadership is not always the norm. Growing up in the sport, I didn’t have any female role models apart from the pros on TV so I feel privileged that I can be a role model for girls and women to stay in sport.
Become a tennis coach
Any female players interested in becoming a coach and inspiring more people to play can visit the LTA website to find out more.
