Open Court Lead for Avon Tennis - Vacancy

Want to help make tennis accessible to all?

Avon Tennis have a great opportunity.

We are looking for a passionate and creative candidate to continue to ‘Open Tennis Up’ within Avon, as our County Open Court Programme Lead.

Avon Tennis are open to applications from any individual who is committed to growing inclusive and disability tennis opportunities.

The role:

• Primarily administrative
• Five hours a week, flexible
• Liaise and support current Open Court venues and coaches within Avon
• Collaborate with, and supported by, key partners including colleagues from Avon Tennis / the LTA to deliver the agreed Open Court Plan initiatives
• Suitable for those interested in helping people with a disability and/ or a long-term health condition to enjoy tennis as part of a specifically designed programme(s).

The Open Court Programme is a national scheme that actively promotes and delivers opportunities for disabled people to get involved in tennis. Learn more here: Open Court Tennis Programme (lta.org.uk)

Full job description:

Avon Tennis Open Court Programme Lead - Flexible 5 hours per week

Avon Tennis are looking for a passionate and creative candidate to continue to ‘Open Tennis Up’ within Avon, as our County Open Court Programme Lead. You may be a coach, a parent, a carer, a support worker, a student or someone who strives to help and support others.

Applications from any individual who is committed to growing inclusive and disability tennis opportunities.

The role is primarily administrative, working from home for five hours a week on a flexible basis, to liaise and support current Open Court venues and coaches within Avon. You will collaborate with, and be supported by, a number of key partners including colleagues from Avon Tennis, and the LTA, to deliver the initiatives agreed in the Open Court Plan. The role is suitable for anyone with an interest in helping people with a disability and/ or a long-term health condition to enjoy tennis as part of a specifically designed programme(s).

You can learn more about the LTA’s Open Court Programme here: Open Court Tennis Programme (lta.org.uk)

The role does not require any on-court delivery.

There will be an opportunity for relevant training as required.

There will be regular supervision with the LTA Disability Development Partner and support from Avon Tennis Disability Lead.

There will be a three month probationary period. If successful, the position will then be reviewed annually. They will also be entitled to 4 weeks annual leave / annual leave payments are included.

If you would like to discuss more about your suitability for this role, please contact: Helen Abbott helenabbott19@gmail.com

Avon Tennis Open Court Lead Role description

Purpose

Our ambition is to make tennis in Avon relevant, accessible, welcoming and enjoyable to more disabled people. Our aim is to engage more disabled people, with a focus on developing wheelchair/physical, visually impaired, learning disability/difficulties, deaf/hearing impaired and those with long-term health conditions, to play, volunteer, coach and officiate in tennis. Avon Tennis engages with a wide range of partners to ensure disabled people can play and compete in a variety of tennis environments, both inclusive and impairment specifically.

Role

The Open Court Lead’s primary responsibilities are:

1. To support the yearly development of the Open Court Plan in collaboration with the LTA and Avon Tennis.

2. To deliver the outcomes identified within the Open Court Plan to retain and increase the number of Open Court programme venues in Avon.

3. To identify, and support the development of, an expansive group of coaches and volunteers, that are confident and competent in the delivery of inclusive/disability impairment specific tennis sessions.

4. To assist in the identification of funding and sponsorship opportunities for clubs, to support the development and long-term sustainability of sessions.

5. To ensure all LTA Open Court programme venues complete the required LTA monitoring and evaluation (January, May, September) as set out in the funding criteria to secure ongoing success of the LTA Open Court programme and inform future planning and resources.

6. To provide regular updates to Avon Tennis regarding activity, participation, and expenditure as requested.

7. To work collaboratively with the LTA regional team, and provide updates, to generate a reflection of the fantastic work within Avon, and ensure the LTA distribute funding accordingly.

8. £11.50ph

Person Specification

The ideal applicant will:

● Demonstrate a passion for and understanding of the different types of disabilities and/or the impact that sport can have on an individual’s life.

● Have a basic understanding and knowledge of clubs and organisations involved with tennis.

● Be able to work creatively; independently, and as part of a team.

● Be conscientious and methodical with sound administrative skills.

● Have a basic understanding and use of IT. The use of email, spreadsheet, word processing, and video conferencing software are fundamental to this role.

● Have excellent communication skills, and be able to adapt communication styles to suit a variety of audiences.

● Have the ability to network effectively with local contacts, including coaches, volunteers, organisations, and funding partners.

● Willingness to have an Enhanced DBS check for working with children and vulnerable adults (this is something we can help with)

Applications

A letter stating your interest in the role and the value you are able to bring, along with a short CV, should be sent either by email: tennis@avontennis.org.uk or, by post: Avon Tennis, Coombe Dingle Sports Complex, Coombe Lane, Bristol BS9 2BJ by Friday 17 March 2023