Dorset LTA (otherwise known as Dorset Tennis) became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in January 2025 as Dorset Tennis & Padel and is now going through the approval process of the national LTA to recognise it as the successor to Dorset LTA. Dorset Tennis & Padel exists to promote the games of tennis and padel at all levels throughout Dorset (the area covered by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and Dorset Councils).
Dorset Tennis & Padel’s aim is the promotion of community participation in healthy recreation for the benefit of the inhabitants of Dorset by the provision of facilities for playing tennis and padel.
County Cup
One of the key areas of Dorset Tennis & Padel activity is the selection, training and fielding of teams to represent Dorset in inter-county events (County Cup), including the week-long Summer County Cup at the end of July and the Winter County Cup in November.
Role summary
The role of the Ladies or Men’s captain, involves leading the Summer County Week and Winter County Cup ladies’ teams, leading the ladies’ /men’s county practices throughout the year, and organising friendly matches. The emphasis will be on encouraging over 18’s to join the open team squads, rather than juniors playing above their age-group. If any under 18’s are selected to play, liaise with the Operations Director and County Safeguarding Officer regarding safeguarding arrangements.
Selection of the team for County Cup matches will be based on ranking and results and will be governed by the Dorset Tennis & Padel selection policy.
The captains are accountable in their role to the Chair of the Dorset Tennis & Padel Performance Committee.
The roles come with a £600 per year honorarium, plus expenses (in accordance with the Dorset expenses policy).
General Responsibilities
Players and relationship development
- liaise with all performance stakeholders in Dorset regarding suitable and available players
- develop a strong relationship with the 18U captain and players
- build a team rapport, keeping in touch with the squad throughout the year
- be aware of all relevant competitive opportunities within Dorset, including inter-club leagues and County Championships, building up a knowledge of available and active players
- be familiar with the Dorset selection criteria for County Cups
- maintain a log of player performance in previous County Cup events
- organise practice sessions for the team before Summer and Winter County Cups
- organise and run friendly matches for county squad players
- Ensure there are appropriate safeguarding arrangements for any under 18’s that are involved in the open team squads or teams.
Administration
- work with the Operations Director to make and communicate hotel and travel arrangements
- work with the Operations Director to arrange kit for players taking part in County Cup events
- support the Operations Director to submit team nominations and any ongoing changes to the LTA, according to the provided submission deadlines
- provide a report and publicity materials for the website to the Operations Director at the conclusion of each event
- coordinate team expenses, communicating the expenses policy in advance to each player
- liaise with the Chair of the Performance Committee during the year.
At each County Cup event
- nominate players for the team each day
- organise a morning practice each day
- attend captains’ meeting and liaise with other captains
- organise lunch and dinner for the players
- support the players outside of the match, showing empathy to their needs
- watch the matches and make selection / pairing decisions based upon player performance and form, winning combinations, etc.
- go on to court during matches to give advice, support and encouragement to individual players
General
- act as an ambassador for county tennis, spreading the word about the opportunities available within Dorset
- ensure that Dorset players always act as positive representatives when at County Cup events
Skills and experience required
- experience of playing county tennis, ideally adult County Week / Cup
- experience of running teams
- strong understanding of required player standards
- passionate about county tennis and maximising the performance of players and teams
- able to work independently, reliably and flexibly
- able to communicate with players in a credible, balanced and informed way
- able to act fairly and make decisions neutrally
How to apply
Please email your CV and a supporting statement to Annie.Smith@dorsetta.co.uk. Please include reference to appropriate experiences, considering the role requirements.
Closing date | 20th April 2025
