NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – JUNE 16: Volunteers pose for a team photograph during day seven of the Nature Valley Open at Nottingham Tennis Centre on June 16, 2019 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images for LTA)

Nottingham City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help at the Nature Valley Open tournament (6-14 June 2020). There are options for all ages from ten years old to as old as you feel!

In June 2020, the city will again host a week-long tournament at the Nottingham Tennis Centre. In spite of challenging weather conditions for 2019, the tournament was still immensely successful, attracting spectators from all over the country.

The Nature Valley Open combines a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) International with a men’s top level Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Challenger Tour event; attracting the stars of men’s and women’s tennis as they prepare for The Championships, Wimbledon.

Demand is expected to be extremely high for places. Younger people (aged 10-18 years) can get involved in Ball Crew try outs. Ball Crew auditions will be held on 15 or 16 February – last date to apply is Friday 14 February. Visit https://nottinghamballcrew.weebly.com for more info and to apply online.

The team would also like to hear from potential volunteers who will be 18 or older at the time the event takes place and who can commit to a minimum of three days during the tournament. An interest in tennis, events and great customer care is also helpful. The deadline for volunteer applications is Sunday 16 February.

Being involved with the tournament offers many advantages and opportunities for those willing to take part. These include:

  • Have fun and meet new people with the backdrop of a world-class tennis tournament!
  • Gain experience and specific training in event volunteer roles
  • Add valuable experience to your CV
  • Enjoy lunch and refreshments provided on site each day
  • Chance to watch the tennis during allotted breaks
  • Access discounted tickets to the event for family and friends
  • Tournament branded uniform
  • A souvenir tournament programme for every volunteer
  • Free car parking in the tournament car park

Volunteers can expect to undertake a mixture of roles including court stewarding, ticket checking and way-finding. More specific roles include practice court supervisors, Eco-Champions, information point operators, participation assistants, buggy drivers and player services hotel assistants (off-site).

The organisers aim to arrange individual timetables to offer a different role each day on site. This will offer a better, more varied tournament experience as well as the chance to work alongside lots of different people. There are some additional specific roles for which applicants can register an interest, later in the application process.

Applicants may also be required to undergo an LTA Enhanced DBS check for specific roles.

Volunteers are required at the following times:

Qualifying:
Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 June 2020 (WTA) and Monday 8 June (ATP Challenger)

Main Draw:
Monday 8 – Sunday 14 June 2020 (WTA & ATP Challenger)

A minimum commitment of three days across the week is requested. Days run from 9am-7pm (approximately, depending on the close of play).

Please note new applicants will have to attend a Selection Session at Nottingham Tennis Centre on one of the following dates (various times will be available to choose from):

Monday 9 March 2020
Tuesday 10 March 2020
Wednesday 11 March 2020

All successful applicants (new or returning) who are offered a role at the 2020 tournament will be required to attend a Training Session at Nottingham Tennis Centre on one of the following dates:

Saturday 30 May 2020
Sunday 31 May 2020

Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture said: “One of the huge success stories of the Nature Valley Open is the strength of the volunteer programme. Volunteers perform a vital role as the public face of the tournament, ensuring spectators and players have a positive, enjoyable and safe experience. It will be their responsibility to provide an exceptional level of customer service to everyone on-site and to represent our city. Thank you in advance for giving up your time and sharing your skills to undertake this important role at the tournament. I hope you enjoy becoming part of #TeamNotts.”

Rebecca James, Nature Valley Open Nottingham Tournament Director said: “Each year we receive such fantastic feedback about our volunteers and also our Ball Crew. They are at the heart of the tournament and we are always hugely grateful for their time and enthusiasm they bring to the event. They help to create a truly memorable experience for all the players, visitors and viewers of the tournament and as always, we look forward to welcoming both new and returning members back to Nottingham Tennis Centre this summer.”

Applications are now open! Find out more and download a role description by visiting: https://bit.ly/NVOVols2020

If you have any further questions please email: TeamNotts@lta.org.uk