LTA Internship Programme gives young Londoners valuable experience across tennis
• 2 minute read
The grass court season may have drawn to a close, but the LTA's work to inspire the next generation in tennis continues year-round through its participation in the Internship Programme.
Funded by London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), the LTA’s internship programme is helping young Londoners gain valuable work experience, develop new skills and explore career opportunities within sport.
As part of the programme, the LTA welcomed two interns, Sam Adenubi and Sanel Ibrahim, in March. Since joining the organisation, they have gained experience across several areas of the business while developing valuable skills and insight into careers across tennis. They successfully completed rotations with the Competitions Team and spent three weeks at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, working in the Accreditation Office during one of the busiest periods in the tennis calendar.
The pair have also supported a wide range of activities and events, including the LTA Awards at the National Tennis Centre, a Community Park Tennis Day at Brook Green, a visit to a local Gurdwara through the LTA SERVES programme and the British Open. In addition, both have completed the new Activator training course, enabling them to facilitate tennis activity within their local communities.
Over the coming months, Sam and Sanel will continue to broaden their experience with the London & South East Delivery Team and the Coaching Team. They will also spend time with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Team, Customer Support Team and People Team, providing them with insight into a variety of career pathways and preparing them for their next steps after the 12-month programme.
Other organisations taking part in the programme set up by the VRU include the RFU, Coach Core, Merton Council Sports Team and Beyond the Bias.
Sanel Ibrahim, 24, said, “Working with the LTA has been an amazing opportunity. I’ve really enjoyed connecting with different communities and being part of work that helps more people access and enjoy tennis.
“The support I’ve received, both in my role and in my wider personal development, has made me feel valued and motivated throughout my internship.”
Samantha Adenubi, 23, added: “From the moment I joined the LTA, I’ve felt genuinely welcomed and supported. Meeting people from different teams and communities has been a real highlight, and I’ve noticed such a positive change in my confidence since starting here. The experience has helped me grow both professionally and personally.”
The programme is led by LTA Delivery Manager Amanda Robinson who oversees the internship programme. She said, “It is great to be running another internship programme this year in partnership with the Violence Reduction Unit, enabling young Londoners to gain valuable career experience within our sporting organisation.
“We are lucky to have recruited two dynamic individuals with a real passion and eagerness to contribute to our vision of Tennis Opened Up. Although based with the London & South East Delivery Team, we have created a bespoke work plan for each of them, giving them the opportunity to collaborate with departments across the business.
“This experience will help to enhance their skill sets, support their future career aspirations and ensure they have a rewarding and meaningful experience during their time with us.”
Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “We are really proud of our partnership with the LTA and what that means for young people. It has led to a number of young people gaining vital experience, provided opportunity to learn new skills and gives them a chance to open doors to brighter futures.
“Providing opportunities for young people is at the centre of the work we do and we are really looking forward to seeing how Sanel and Samantha flourish and grow through this fantastic internship with the LTA.”
