5 June 2020

Happy #VolunteersWeek2020!

As we have all had cause to appreciate in recent months, we wouldn’t be able to get by without the help of volunteers. With the LTA celebrating #VolunteersWeek2020 online, we salute all those who lend their support to tennis.

It’s been fantastic to see so many organisations, including the LTA, celebrate #VolunteersWeek2020 online and behind the scenes. We thought we would share a few areas where tennis relies on volunteers and celebrate the impact they have on our sport.

  • Supporting a local club or venue. Tasks can range from supporting large events held at the venue, promoting the club with local marketing or taking players to matches if needed. The list goes on and you’d be surprised what you can get up to at your local venue!
  • Volunteering in Disability Tennis There are a range of disability tournaments running throughout the year and the LTA couldn’t do what they do without the support of amazing volunteers. They are very grateful to everyone who gives up their time to make tennis open and inclusive.
  • Volunteering in the communities Programmes like Serves, which give disadvantaged people the opportunity to play tennis, are often looking for volunteers. The programmes takes tennis into places it’s never been before, equipping local people who are trusted and rooted in their community, with the skills to provide tennis activities for everyone. As part of Serves, the Tennis Activator course trains community champions with organisational and delivery skills to confidently run a session in a fun and informal way. 
  • Volunteering in the county County tennis associations support clubs, leagues and run competitions to grow and support local tennis. Most county members are volunteers and there are a range of committee roles available. Alternatively volunteers help support players at the event, which is a lovely way of giving back!
  • Volunteering at Major Events Volunteers can get involved in major tennis events like the Nottingham Open, the Birmingham Classic and the British Open Wheelchair Tennis Championships. Davis Cup and Fed Cup ties also rely on volunteer support and provide a fantastic way to cheer on the Brits from the tramlines!
  • Coaching Many coaches do extra hours as volunteers to support their local community while others support the coaches and venues by become qualified coaching assistants at Level 1. This is a great way to learn a new skill.

The LTA holds an annual Tennis Awards ceremony to recognise these valuable contributions, celebrating the achievements made by outstanding individuals and venues every year. 

There are also some other great benefits for volunteers. You meet lots of new people, forge lifelong friendships and may be rewarded with free tennis kit or access to events you wouldn’t usually attend. Sometimes volunteering is an opportunity to grow your CV or gain valuable work experience if you are interested in a career in tennis. 

Here at Local Tennis Leagues, we wanted to thank our fantastic volunteers who over the years have given up their time to help us, offer invaluable advice or are part of the tireless band of players and supporters who put up our posters across the country. It has been hugely appreciated and over the coming weeks and months we will be looking at ways to be in touch.

If you are ever interested in volunteering with us in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch via info@localtennisleagues.com

Happy #VolunteersWeek2020 everyone!