Working with Volunteers

Why are volunteers important?

British Tennis relies on a huge number of volunteers to run the sport at a local level. Without volunteers, the majority of tennis venues there would struggle to survive as many of the day to day tasks of running a club and programme fall on the shoulders of volunteers; maintaining accounts, facility maintenance, processing memberships, court bookings, match fixtures and much, much more.  So that we can grow our sport and see continued success we must recognise the hard work and valuable time contributed by tennis volunteers.  Volunteers are all ages, genders, ethnicities, and all levels of ability or disability.

How do I recruit  and retain volunteers?

Volunteers are the life blood of the game and if a good relationship is established between coach and committee/volunteers, they can provide key support in promoting, developing and expanding the tennis programme and offer within a venue.

Tennis Leaders can help share some of the workload with your mini tennis sessions. Any Level 3 qualified (or above) coaches can deliver the Tennis Leaders courses, for free. Have a look at the Tennis Leaders pages of the website if you think it might be of benefit to you and your programme.

The committee at your club or place to play may be able to help you with promoting your programme at the venue and local area and any interventions taken by the club to increase membership can mean increased uptake on your sessions.

Parents may be willing to help out as well. With basic knowledge of the game and the rules, parents could be responsible for overseeing small competitions, helping with driving players on match days or helping on court.

It is important that you help your team of leaders, assistants and volunteers to develop their skills, and to deliver a great service to your members. Resources have been produced to assist you in recruiting and developing your workforce. 

How do I promote opportunities?

When thinking of the help that a volunteer could provide try and break tasks down into small chunks. That way you have a manageable task with a specific end point that you’re asking someone to do. Ensuring that someone has a fun, short first experience of volunteering means they are more likely to agree to help out again as it didn’t feel like an overwhelming task.

For example, a Tennis Leader may be quite inexperienced, so starting with smaller tasks with little responsibility will help to increase confidence and will help you to know where their strengths are.

If you have any volunteering specific questions please contact Jenny Box, Volunteer Engagement Manager on 020 8487 7055 or email Jennifer.Box@LTA.org.uk