Hale LTC is seeking an enthusiastic and inspiring Head Coach with at least 4 years’ experience, to lead and mentor our team of experienced coaches, including two recently joined elite internationals, in a collaborative and inclusive manner to deliver LTA programmes, including holiday camps, in compliance with club and LTA standards.

Supporting the club’s volunteer committees’ ambition to make the club a place that supports the growth of tennis as a sport for all.

This is a self-employed role, based on standard LTA approved terms and conditions.

Hale LTC has an elected, voluntary committee whose role is to execute the strategic direction and upholding of the club for its members and to oversee and lead on the overall planning of tennis related activities.

The Head Coach’s principal responsibilities include:

•Partnering with the committee to deliver the club’s vision, providing an inclusive, unique and exciting programme and making HLTC a great place to play for our members.
•Creating a sense of community leading to player retention and growth of the club.
•Appointment, leadership and mentoring of coaches and helpers, creating opportunities for development and progression, such as LTA Youth Tennis Leaders.
•Accountable for the management, including fees, of committee-agreed coaching team members.
•Assuming overall responsibility for the youth and senior tennis programme, including holiday camps.
•Leading the design, management, communication and execution of tennis events. Ensuring appointed coaches and helpers have clearly defined roles and objectives to deliver to LTA and club standards.
•Assuming responsibility for the junior team matches across the summer and winter, working alongside the other coaches and parent volunteers.
•Expansion of the pool of willing volunteers.
•Establishing the delivery of outreach with local schools and SEND representatives, providing opportunities to play.
•Excellence in record management, demonstrating timely adherence and compliance with LTA and club standards
•Production of reports to meet the clubs’ obligations for transparency and aide informed decision making as to future strategic direction i.e. detailed programme of events, raising of issues/opportunities such as facilities, member feedback, strategic inputs, LTA insights etc.

Act as an ambassador for the club in terms of:
•Role modelling club values and behaviours as one of the first points of contact for members at the club
•Engaging with visitors, guests, parents etc., in such a manner as to demonstrate a professional and friendly club
•Building relationships across the membership, including those who don’t use coaching facilities, to harmonise the competing demands on court time
•Encouraging the retention and growth of membership
•Taking primary responsibility for on-premise safeguarding and notification of non-compliance of club rules in accordance with club process to appropriate committee members.

Hale Lawn Tennis Club is a venue with 9 all-weather courts, of which 3 are Lano Grand clay courts (all with floodlights) and 6 are Advantage Pro artificial grass courts, of which 2 are floodlit.

There is a comfortable clubhouse with outside terrace and seating with court views, a fully operational bar, function room and stringing facilities.
We have over 300 adult and almost as many junior members.

Coaching has been in operation for 90+ years, with 7 LTA qualified coaches running an extensive year-round tennis programme across all ages and abilities including year-round competitive team tennis for all ages and abilities.

The Club has a busy group coaching and holiday camp programme, for which the Head Coach would assume both the responsibility and the financial benefit, subject to agreed profit sharing and incentive arrangements.

The successful applicant will ideally be an LTA Accredited Level 4 coach or above. We will consider exceptional Level 3 candidates who are in the process of obtaining Level 4 accreditation.

They will have demonstrable experience gained in a tennis club or school programme or combination, as the Head of Tennis, Head Coach or as an assistant/associate Head of Tennis, in a large club and be able to provide evidence of:

On-Court:

Mastery in implementing cutting-edge LTA coaching techniques and tailoring programmes to cater to a range of skill levels, ensuring a dynamic and engaging learning environment.

Commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of all participants by adhering to safeguarding policies and promoting a positive and inclusive sporting environment.

Off-Court:

Strong leadership skills to manage a high performing, loyal and committed coaching team, that are supportive, thoughtful and transparently truthful to each other. Providing mentorship and development opportunities enabling progression and continuous improvement/training.

Strategic planning skills to develop and execute long-term visions for the club's growth, including infrastructure improvements, programme expansion and financial sustainability.

Interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to navigate disputes among staff or members diplomatically and maintain a harmonious club environment.

General Skills and Qualities:

The capacity to adapt to changing priorities and roles, particularly as the club grows and the balance of responsibilities potentially shifts.

A creative problem-solving approach, able to address challenges and identify opportunities for improvement within both coaching and management realms.

A dedication to personal and professional development, staying abreast of the latest trends in tennis coaching, sports management, and customer service.