Player Attraction & Development Coach

Lawn Tennis Association; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading sports organization in the UK is seeking a Player Attraction & Development Coach to lead its 8U pathway. This role emphasizes creating engaging environments for young players. Responsibilities include delivering community sessions, managing events, and mentoring staff. The ideal candidate is an LTA Accredited Coach with experience in player development and a passion for fostering a love of tennis among youth. Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset are essential.

Qualifications

• LTA Accredited Coach with up-to-date DBS, Safeguarding, and First Aid.
• Experience in player development within early-stage tennis.
• Demonstrated ability to increase participation and maintain player retention.

Responsibilities

• Lead all 8U performance and community sessions at Batchwood.
• Deliver school outreach sessions to introduce new children to tennis.
• Plan and run monthly 8U festivals to celebrate play and community.
• Manage and mentor assistants and tennis leaders.

Skills

LTA Accredited Coach

Player development experience

Engaging communication

Team collaboration

Job description

Programme Leadership – 8U Attraction & Development

• Lead all 8U performance and community sessions at Batchwood.
• Design environments that support exploration, engagement, and adaptable skill development.
• Oversee the player attraction pathway from first contact to long-term participation.

Schools Delivery

• Deliver school outreach sessions to introduce new children to tennis and drive participation into centre programmes.
• Build strong, positive relationships with schools and stakeholders.

Events & Matchplay

• Plan and run monthly 8U festivals that celebrate play, exploration, and community involvement.
• Lead monthly 8U matchplay events, ensuring a supportive, developmental focus.

Team Leadership

• Manage, support, and mentor assistants, tennis leaders, and activators to maintain high standards of delivery.
• Help shape a positive coaching culture across the 8U team.

Centre Work & Additional Opportunities

• Deliver additional centre-based work when required.
• Opportunities are available to provide private lessons as part of the broader coaching team.

Batchwood Performance Program is seeking an enthusiastic and forward-thinking Player Attraction & Development Coach to lead our 8U pathway.

This role sits at the heart of our mission to create vibrant, engaging, and developmentally aligned environments for young players entering the game.

The successful candidate will oversee the design and delivery of our 8U attraction and development programme across community and performance spaces.

This includes schools outreach, community engagement, monthly festivals, matchplay opportunities, and leading the centre’s 8U sessions. You will play a key role in ensuring children experience tennis in open, enjoyable, highly interactive environments that support long‑term development.

This role is ideal for a coach who brings creativity, energy, and a deep commitment to helping young players fall in love with tennis while building strong foundations for future participation and performance.

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• LTA Accredited Coach (with up‑to‑date DBS, Safeguarding, and First Aid).
• Background in player development within early‑stage tennis.
• Demonstrated experience in increasing participation and maintaining strong player retention.

Personal Qualities

• Engaging, approachable, and open communicator.
• Enjoys collaborating within a team and contributing to a positive coaching environment.
• Believes that learning happens best in open, enjoyable, and dynamic environments, not through closed or repetitive instruction.
• Passionate about helping young players discover tennis in a way that supports long‑term development and enjoyment.

How to apply

Please email Steve Whelan, Head of Performance, with:

1. Your CV
2. A cover letter titled "This Is the Way I Coach"
3. A 600‑word statement explaining:
   • Why you coach the way you do
   • What methods guide your coaching
   • The reasoning and philosophy behind your approach

Email: [e-mail]