Spotlight on Student Volunteers: Kelly Edmund

Student volunteers play a critical role in getting more people to play tennis more often. During Student Volunteers Week 2017 (February 20 - 26), we focus on Kelly Edmunds who volunteers at Northumbria University.

Kelly (pictured above, second from left) is currently Northumbria University’s Tennis Ambassador and has already completed over 50 voluntary hours. This includes supporting the University Club programme which has so far entailed coaching, socials and events. She is now a Level 2 Tennis Coaching Assistant and volunteers at David Lloyd Newcastle, along with supporting local Clubs with competitions, coaching and events.

Volunteering alongside other highly passionate volunteers – such as Victoria Rodwell, Lucy Scott and Marianne Turner – Kelly has supported the Great British Tennis Weekend, the Davis Cup Legacy Programme, the North East Women and Girls Project and Sports Relief, to name just a few. Kelly also links in with her local tennis club.

Kelly has benefitted hugely from these experiences and below highlights just some of the benefits from getting involved as a student volunteer.

Benefits of volunteering as a student:

• Improve and build upon knowledge and enhance professional development within a specific industry
• Gain valuable interview experience and develop communication, self-awareness and reflection skills
• Become a valuable asset to an organisation, which is advantageous when seeking future work
• Bridge the gap between academia and a real world setting to establish a positive work ethic
• Widen and build valuable social and professional networks.

Five top tips for getting involved in volunteering as a student:

1. Speak to your University Tennis Coordinator or Student Union volunteering team to find out more about volunteering and what opportunities are available
2. Contact your nearest local tennis club to offer your skills – clubs are very keen to get more students involved (remember tennis clubs are looking for tennis and non-tennis skills!)
3. Keep an eye out on the LTA website for opportunities or email volunteer@lta.org.uk to see how you can get involved
4. Gaining tennis development experience through the Tennis Foundation and LTA whilst studying is also an option -  find out more via the Tennis Foundation website
5. Speak to your teacher or lecturer to discuss if they may be able to advise roads to explore which will benefit your course or future career.