British Tennis - Lawn Tennis Association

About the qualification

The Master Club Coach Qualification is for coaches who are or who aspire to work at the very highest level of club coaching.

Through discussions with key coaches, research into other sports and reviews of previous LTA qualifications, the following description of a Master Club Coach has been developed. This has formed the basis of the course criteria.

Qualities and characteristics of a Master Club Coach

• Delivers on court sessions of the highest quality to all club members.
• Designs, implements and evaluates the process and outcome of club programmes.
• Generates, directs and manages the implementation of cutting edge coaching solutions and programmes.
• Displays leadership skills to create and manage change and adaptation in dynamic club environments.
• Mentors their team of coaches to be ensure delivery of a quality programme.
• Is a high-level and creative planner in club development combining long term ambitions with shorter term programme plans.
• Is able to problem solve to meet a club’s needs.
• Able to learn from other ‘Club’ environments in other sports.
• Communicates effectively and demonstrates high levels of emotional intelligence.
• Demonstrates self reflection and takes responsibility for their own learning and CPD.

Duration of the course

• 2 years (from application to completion)

Please note that an extensive commitment is required to complete this course and includes:

• Direct contact lasting approx 1 year
• Foundation module
• Northumbria University modules leading to a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Tennis Coaching Management
• Mentoring Qualification and project
• Field placements and mentoring meetings
• Master Club case study module
• Master Club performance module choice
• Formative assessment module

Candidates will undertake three main personal studies during the course:

Area of interest: This will be a project based around the candidate’s particular area of interest and will culminate in the development of a coach education resource to benefit British Tennis in the future. This project will form part of the candidate’s tennis coaching management diploma which is delivered by Northumbria University.

Performance tennis placement: All candidates will be required to spend a minimum of two placements of three days in a performance tennis environment. It is hoped that candidates will consider travelling overseas for at least one of these placements.

Non-tennis placement: Candidates will need to spend a minimum of three placements of one day in duration in a non-tennis environment. It is recommended that two of the three placements are in sport and one is outside sport.

Course pre-requisites

• Hold either the LTA Senior Club Coach Qualification or CCA
• Be LTA Licensed
• Have (or have had) a rating of 5.1 or below a Play Test Grade 2
• Have knowledge and experience of recent terminology and methodology on LTA Coach Education Qualifications (coaches who hold the Senior Club Coach Qualification will not have to give further evidence in this area)
• Currently or within the last 3 years held the position of Head Coach

The LTA Coach Licence is a form of accreditation issued by the LTA to coaches who meet a range of requirements relating to safety and training.

More information on Coach Licensing

To take the Master Club Coach Qualification you may need to take a Play Test.

More information on Play Tests

Cost of the course

£1500 payable in advance

How to apply

Applications for the 2012 course open on 1 January 2012 and close on 1 June 2012.

Applications should consist of the following:

• Proof that the applicant meets the above course pre-requisites
• A CV including a list clubs worked with
• Name and contact details of 2 referees. One of these must be a licensed coach with direct knowledge of the applicants coaching
• An application letter stating why the applicant wishes to enrol on the course and the strengths and values they will bring to it

Applications should be emailed to Jane Bowen, Coach Education Manager Jane.Bowen@LTA.org.uk and will be considered by the course committee.

Some applicants may be invited for an interview. All applicants will be notified by 30 June 2012 as to whether or not they have been successful.

For all other questions about the course please contact Jane.Bowen@LTA.org.uk