Following the success of our Volunteers’ Day last September, we are excited to invite Dorset club and county volunteers to our 2025 Volunteers’ Day on Saturday, 14th June at Southbourne Tennis Club. A day to celebrate the invaluable contributions of tennis volunteers in Dorset, recognising the important role they play in making tennis a thriving success in our community.
This year, we are shining a spotlight on our Open Court Programme, led by David Sanger, Head Coach at Southbourne Tennis Club. Open Court is a national initiative supported by the LTA, dedicated to making tennis accessible to disabled people of all ages, abilities, and impairments.
We are delighted to welcome Lucy Shuker, GB’s top female wheelchair tennis player, who will provide an on-court demonstration and share her inspiring experiences competing in Grand Slam events. Additionally, LTA President Sandi Procter will join us to discuss her role in promoting tennis and supporting volunteers nationwide.
We are also pleased to once again welcome Simon Spalter and Clive Young of the Tennis Volunteer Community, a community group for anyone who volunteers within a tennis venue including tennis clubs, parks, universities and schools.
Programme for the Day
10:30 am – Meet & greet with tea and coffee
11:00 am – Introductory speeches & engaging Q&A Forum with:
- Sandi Procter (LTA President)
- David Sanger (Head Coach, Southbourne)
- Simon Spalter and Clive Young (Tennis Volunteer Community)
- Dorset Tennis & Padel Committee Members
12:30 pm – Buffet Lunch
1:00 pm – LTA Tennis Awards Presentation – Dorset Winners
1:30 pm – Wheelchair Tennis Demonstration & Inclusive Group Sessions (including Walking Tennis). Attendees will have the opportunity to have a go at wheelchair tennis, walking tennis and assist in the Inclusive Group Sessions
3:00 pm – Fun Tennis Tournament
A full day of activities and opportunities is promised including :
- Presentations honouring the County LTA Tennis Award winners
- Engaging Q&A session with guests from the LTA, the Tennis Volunteer Community (TVC) and Dorset Tennis & Padel
- Wheelchair Tennis Demonstration and Inclusive Group Sessions (including Walking Tennis)
- Fun Tennis Tournament
We are looking forward to welcoming special guests LTA President, Sandi Procter, Lucy Shuker, GB’s top female wheelchair tennis player, Sharon Heeley, LTA Head of Delivery for the South and South West, Simon Spalter and Clive Young from the Tennis Volunteer Community.
Provisional timetable for the day :
10:30 am – Meet & greet with tea and coffee
11:00 am – Introductory speeches & engaging Q&A Forum with:
- Sandi Procter (LTA President)
- David Sanger (Head Coach, Southbourne)
- Simon Spalter and Clive Young (Tennis Volunteer Community)
- Dorset Tennis & Padel Committee Members
12:30 pm – Buffet Lunch
1:00 pm – LTA Tennis Awards Presentation – Dorset Winners
1:30 pm – Wheelchair Tennis Demonstration & Inclusive Group Sessions (including Walking Tennis). Attendees will have the opportunity to have a go at wheelchair tennis, walking tennis and assist in the Inclusive Group Sessions
3:00 pm – Fun Tennis Tournament
If you would like to be part of this inspiring day, please e-mail David Lloyd, Chair, Participation Committee, djllmproducts@gmail.com or Annie Smith, annie.smith@dorsetlta.co.uk.
