Tennis is committed to embracing diversity by making our sport welcoming, safe and inclusive for everyone.
Everyone should have the opportunity to be included and engaged through tennis in a way that is positive and meaningful for them.
Our vision is that there are no limits for women and girls on and off the court.
While Tennis is leading the way with significant achievements over the past 50 years, such as being the leading professional sport for women, equal prizemoney and strong representation on the Tennis Australia and Member Association Boards, there is more work to be done. Women are underrepresented in community leadership with just 26% of club presidents being women.
It is important women take on leadership roles to ensure women and girls have an equal voice and can influence decision making at the community level on and off the court.
Tennis is committed to increasing and supporting women leaders in tennis. To achieve this, we are providing an opportunity for women in the community to complete the Women Leaders in Tennis (WLIT) program. Program graduates will gain a vast range of learning and experiences within the leadership domain as well as mentoring and support.
Women Leaders in Tennis Program
The Women Leaders in Tennis Program aims to:
✔ To build the leadership knowledge, skills and confidence of current and prospective community leaders
✔ To build a community of practice amongst women community leaders
✔ To increase participation of women and girls in community leadership roles in clubs
✔ To retain women community leaders.
Who should participate in the program?
- Current and prospective women community leaders in paid or volunteer roles in tennis clubs/centres/associations
- Club volunteers and committee members
- Senior club leaders (i.e., club president, coach)
Program Details
Program Content
The program consists of three modules:
- Module 1 – Leading self,
- Module 2 – Leading others, and
- Module 3 – Leading change
Program Delivery & Timelines
The program will be delivered over 4 months and will consist of both face-to-face and online sessions and online interactive projects, which can be self-paced.
- 1 day face-to-face workshop
- 3 x 1 hour on-line sessions (will be recorded in-case participants unavailable)
- Final 1 day workshop face-to-face
Eligibility Criteria
- Be aged 18 years or over.
- Identify as a woman.
- Be an Australian citizen or have been granted permanent residence status.
- Provide a Working With Children Check and sign a Member Protection Declaration.
- Currently involved in a paid or volunteer capacity for a local affiliated Tennis Club/Association/Venue.
- Have nomination from relevant personnel (e.g., Club President, Committee member or manager/supervisor)
Cost
- Fully subsidised in 2023 for participants from an affiliated Club/Association
- Regional travel subsidies are available
Program Outcomes
Individual
✔ Growth in confidence and competence
✔ Women see themselves as leaders
✔ Gain valuable experience in clubs
✔ Gain knowledge of tennis governance and operations
✔ Coaching and mentoring from existing leaders
✔ Gain leadership skills
Sport
✔ Increase in number of women volunteering at their club
✔ Women have an equal voice and influence in Community Clubs
✔ Increase in number of women in meaningful leadership roles
✔ Increase in % of women Club Presidents
✔ More women role models in coaching, officiating and community leadership roles.
✔ More women and girls playing and enjoying tennis
Social
✔ Welcoming, safe and inclusive clubs
✔ Reduced barriers for women and girls on and off the court
✔ Increased engagement & participation in tennis
✔ Enhanced friendships, social and career network
✔ More women role models can drive improved respect for women and girls from men and boys from seeing
✔ Gender equality
HOW DO I APPLY?
Expressions of interest are now open for 2024.
Want more information?
Contact Tennis Victoria Women and Girls Coordinator, Fairlie Lamond, [email protected]
VIC