How two aspiring coaches are getting more women & girls into tennis through the LTA SERVES programme
• 3 MINUTE READ
While the number of female tennis coaches has grown by a third in the last three years, increasing female representation in the workforce remains a priority.
Becoming a tennis coach offers flexibility, the chance to build a rewarding career, and gives you the opportunity to inspire and empower women and girls to step outside their comfort zone and begin their own tennis journey.
For many, the first step on that pathway is becoming an Activator. Activators help facilitate tennis across many of our different programmes – including LTA SERVES, which takes tennis into the heart of local communities to those who may never have had the opportunity to play before, or thought the sport was for them.
Two of these programme and beyond. Through their work in schools, community hubs and non-traditional spaces, Issy and Tyra are breaking down barriers to make tennis more accessible to women and girls across Great Britain.
Meet Issy
From becoming an LTA SERVES Activator to speaking at the Billie Jean King Cup dinner, it has been an incredible journey for Issy Stanley over the last couple of years.
While at university, Issy decided to become an LTA SERVES Activator. On the training day she met her local mentor Kate Maurici from the Queen’s Club Foundation.
It’s about breaking down barriers and giving young children a chance to play the sport and open up the possibility that tennis can be for them.
Together, Kate and Issy worked on numerous projects within the local community, with sessions taking place in non-traditional tennis venues, including parish centres, faith schools and even on a basketball court in an estate.
“With minimal facilities, just a few rackets and balls, it was about adapting to the environment. You don’t need a pristine tennis court to be able to play tennis,” Issy said. "It’s about breaking down barriers and giving young children a chance to play the sport and open up the possibility that tennis can be for them.”
After then completing her LTA Level 1 Assistant qualification and with Kate’s continued support, the two introduced tennis competitions at holiday camps for over 50 children a day during the summer holidays.
Tennis is one of the most gender balanced sports in terms of participation, but there’s still work to be done to close the gender gap. One of our ambitions is to encourage more women and girls to pick up a racket and get involved in the sport.
Issy understands the importance of boosting female participation, saying, “We started girls-only sessions so the participants could leave behind any social anxieties around playing sport in front of boys, they can come in, try their best and it doesn't matter if it doesn't work. You have fun and you move; that's the bottom line of it all.” She also added, “Sport is essential for maintaining health and building confidence in women, especially from a young age.
Tennis is one of the most gender balanced sports in terms of participation but there is more work to be done to close the gender gap further. One of our ambitions is to increase the number of young women and girls picking up a racket and getting involved in the sport and Issy recognises the importance of increasing female engagement. Issy then added, “Sport is so important for keeping healthy and building confidence in women, especially from a young age.
“With sport, you don't have to be excellent at it - you can practice and improve, but as long as you're having fun and enjoying yourself that’s what matters. I see these kids with a massive smile on their face and it's incredibly rewarding. It’s why I love what I do. I can’t recommend it enough.”
Meet Tyra
Tyra is an LTA Activator at Saheli Hub, a charity which encourages women and girls from underserved communities to get active.
Over 50% of Birmingham’s population are from ethnically-diverse communities, and Saheli Hub’s research shows that women from these communities in inner-city Birmingham want to take part in exercise, fitness, and sport– but a lack of accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive activities means they cannot participate, which is affecting their physical and mental health.
“Sports have been a part of my life since I can remember,” Tyra said. “I used to always accompany my aunties and nan to watch them play, and as soon as I could, I played.” From participating to facilitating - Tyra has taught a range of sports from netball to athletics and, of course, tennis.
Alongside teaching sports in a local primary school, Tyra volunteers as an LTA Activator. When discussing the process she said, “The training was engaging, very helpful and gives you the tools needed to become a tennis Activator.”
Always looking to improve her knowledge and learn new skills, Tyra noted that she would love to continue along the coaching pathway to hopefully one day become an LTA Level 2 Instructor or LTA Level 3 Coach.
When asked if she would recommend becoming an Activator, Tyra said, “100% yes. Volunteering makes me feel good because it makes others feel good. Particularly when participants come up to you and say, ‘what you do is amazing and really helps me.’
“Also, not only do you maintain your own fitness and health, but you do it while having fun and socialising!”
Become a tennis coach or Activator
Learn more about becoming a tennis coach or Activator and the benefits available to you. You can also check out the LTA coaching qualifications and find the right course for you.
