Training for the new University Tennis Coordinators, Ambassadors and Managers was held at Loughborough University last week as part of the Tennis Foundation's support package to universities. Peter Leatherbarrow, UTC for the University of Chester, tells us how he found the introduction to his new role.
An aspect of the training I really enjoyed was that the existing UTCs gave a great insight into what life is like as a UTC, explaining what has worked well for them at their respective universities, as well as challenges they have encountered and how they overcame them.
A range of issues were covered, from effectively promoting the university tennis club, to how to make the most of the all-important fresher's fayre. This was done formally, through presentations by the existing UTCs, but also informally through talking to them, which really helped develop the understanding of what it takes to run a successful university tennis club.
I found the on-court session delivered by Matt Wildt, the UTC from Nottingham very useful. Being the tennis coordinator at the University of Chester where court space is limited, Matt showing us how to handle large groups in small spaces really helped in terms of planning what to do for taster sessions and open days. He also ran a small Cardio Tennis competition between UTCs and ambassadors with the UTCs coming out clear winners!
At the University of Chester, we have had one previous UTC running the programme for 2 years. After a slow start, the tennis club has flourished as a result of the programme with membership nearly doubling in the past year.
The resources given to us by the Tennis Foundation played a big part in this as they helped get our club noticed around campus, but also helped develop our programme beyond fresher's week. The success we have had in tennis is now being replicated by other sports, as coordinators are being appointed with the hope of increasing participation in a number of different clubs within the university.
This year we have a larger programme to support our increased numbers, ranging from beginner coaching to BUCS teams, as well as competing in the local West Cheshire Winter league for the first time, which gives even more players an opportunity to regularly compete.
We also have a large social programme with our club day, a bigger and better version of club nights! This is run by our newly appointed ambassador, Matt Griffiths, who runs an afternoon of tennis every Wednesday, followed by a club social every Wednesday night. The University of Chester tennis club really is for everybody. With a dedicated committee we are determined to make this year our biggest ever!
Follow us on Twitter to keep up to date with how we are getting on! @Chester_Tennis.
The University of Chester perfectly illustrates the benefit of having the UTC programme. Peter's manager Gordon Reay, who is Chester's Student Sports Development, Performance and Coaching Manager, also attended the training at Loughborough. He talks more broadly about the impact of the programme at the University of Chester.
The UTC position really has been the catalyst for the University of Chester to drive forward the sports strategy. We have used the model for the UTC position as a means to attract postgraduate students interested in coaching and developing student sports, whilst providing a unique and valuable asset to the sports clubs.
From no sports coordinators in 2012 to ten in 2014 it is clear that this model works and we hope to continue this growth by offering postgraduate qualifications free to those interested in these positions. The LTA and Tennis Foundation have been a great source of support and knowledge over the past two years and we thank them for all they have done for University Tennis but also in helping us drive forward our aims and objectives in sport in general.
Find out more about university tennis here and follow university tennis on Twitter with #unitennis.
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