At the end of June Middlesex Tennis was strongly represented at the LTA Mentors Networking Day at the National Tennis Centre. Tennis Manager Andrew Lewandowski, Inclusion Lead Mark Bullock & Inclusion Mentor Jo Grant-Baisley attended a day of reflection, learning and networking for the LTA Mentoring Team. 

 LTA mentoring is a CPD option available to coaches at all stages of their coaching journey, but most suited to experienced coaches who are interested in bespoke development tailored to their individual needs. 

Andrew says,

LTA Coach Mentoring is a chance to: Reflect on where you are now; Set personalised development goals for the future; Work alongside a trained industry expert to help you achieve your aspirations; Gain CPD credits.

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For more information on the LTA Mentoring Scheme: https://www.lta.org.uk/roles-and-venues/coaches/development/mentoring/

Inclusion Mentors

Middlesex Tennis has its own mentoring programme focussed on inclusion.  Linda Almond, Jo Grant Baisley, Jon Wildman &  Stuart Wilkinson work with venues and coaches to establish a supportive working relationship that enables them to develop an inclusive offer.

Their work includes: 

• Visiting venues to explore one or more aspects of inclusion.
• Develop an "action plan" with the venue / coach / committee member.
• Keeping in regular contact with each of the venues.

If you want to reach out to one of our inclusion mentors, contact Mark on mark.bullock@middlesextennis.org.uk.

Mark Bullock said

I enjoy working as a mentor to support people on their journey within tennis. I have also received mentoring through the LTA and it is hugely beneficial in helping me navigate my career in inclusive tennis.

Performance Coach Mentoring

For interested coaches Andrew is running a bespoke performance mentoring programme aimed at supporting coaches aiming at developing players and programme at the various stages of the performance pathway.

For specific details of the programme contact Andrew directly on: 07971 141339.

LTA Coach Mentoring: Diversity & Inclusion Bursaries

As a coach in Middlesex, we wanted to let you know that as part of the LTA's vision "Tennis Opened Up" and the LTA Inclusion Strategy, the LTA are offering fully funded sessions on the LTA Coach Mentoring scheme, to give coaches from underrepresented groups the opportunity to experience 1-1 bespoke mentoring.

Who and What

The LTA have funding to support a limited number of ‘mentees’ (someone who is paired with a mentor) in 2024. This offers each coach six one-hour sessions with an expert LTA Coach Mentor. A place on the scheme is open to those who are in one or more of the below groups:

• Female
• Have a disability
• From an ethnically diverse community

A coach must also be over 18 years of age and LTA Accredited to be eligible.

How and When

Coaches can apply for the programme directly to the LTA via the application form:

https://fs18.formsite.com/ltaadmin/pnvsppnpxu/index

Places are awarded by the LTA on a first-come first served basis, so please be quick if you would like to apply.