British Tennis supports NSPCC Parents in Sport Week with new programme
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Tennis parents are being offered extra support in the important role they play in nurturing young players under a new Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) programme.
Developed in partnership with Loughborough University and launched this week to coincide with the NSPCC’s Parents in Sport Week, the LTA’s Parent Support Programme offers parents guidance to ensure young players enjoy their time playing tennis and develop to their full potential.
Designed to provide advice on how to work with children before, during and after matches, the programme includes: the Optimal Competition Parenting Workshop, the downloadable Start Competing Parents Guide, and a series of short educational videos.
Speaking on the announcement, the LTA's Head of Competition, Keith Carder said: “We are delighted to be supporting the NSPCC’s Parent in Sport week. The LTA’s Parent Support Programme offers a range of guidance for parents whose children are at all stages of tennis competition.
“Tennis parents play a vital role in supporting their children in this sport, which can place some specific stresses on young players. Through this programme we want parents to feel they have somewhere to go for their questions on their role, and create the right environment to keep young tennis players in the game for the long term.”
Steve Edmund is the father of GB Davis Cup star and world ranked No.47, Kyle Edmund. Steve, who has spoken on the role of parents at LTA National Performance Training Camps, said: “As a parent, starting to support your child through this unknown journey can be eye-opening to say the least.
Unlike team sports where you can share the burden with other parents, team coaches and clubs, the tennis journey is very individual and can be quite daunting when you set out.
“Parents do play a critical role in supporting their children, not only nurturing their talents but providing the emotional as well as practical support needed. That’s why if I can share the learnings and knowledge we have gathered along the way, it would be a really productive way to give back to British Tennis, a sport we care so passionately about”.
The LTA Parent Support Programme was developed with a team of leading sport psychologists at Loughborough, led by Professor Chris Harwood and Dr Sam Thrower, who conducted the research into what tennis parents need to help them optimise their role with their child.
Visit the LTA Parents page to find out about local workshops, download the Start Competing Parents Guide, and see the videos.
