Nottingham City Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help at the Open Nottingham Tennis tournament (8-16 June 2019).

The team would like to hear from potential volunteers who will be 16 or older at the time the event takes place and free for 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 17 February.

Nature Valley Open Volunteers 2018 (Photo by Ben Hoskins/Getty Images for LTA)

In June 2019, the city will again host a week-long tournament at the Nottingham Tennis Centre. Having seen a sold-out finals weekend in 2018, the Nature Valley Open will combine a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) International (celebrating its fifth year) 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. Over 200 people registered for last week’s Ball Crew auditions aimed at younger volunteers. 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 wayfinding. More specific roles include practice court supervisors, ‘Explore Wimbledon’ supervisors, merchandise stand supervisors, 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 should be available throughout the tournament from qualifying on 8 June through to the finals on 16 June. The minimum commitment is three days across the week. Days run from 9am-7pm (approximately, depending on the close of play).

New applicants must attend a selection session at Nottingham Tennis Centre on one of the following dates (various times will be available to choose from):

–        Monday 11 March
–        Tuesday 12 March
–        Wednesday 13 March

All successful applicants (new or returning) who are offered a role at the 2019 tournament will be required to attend a training session at Nottingham Tennis Centre on either Saturday 1 or Sunday 2 June 2019.

Cllr Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Localities 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.”

Rebecca James, Nature Valley Open WTA Tournament Director said “The feedback we receive about our Volunteers and Ball Crew each year is always fantastic and we are hugely grateful for their time and effort. They help to create a truly memorable experience for all the players, visitors and viewers of the tournament. We look forward to welcoming them all again this summer, particularly those who will be returning for their fifth year as we look to celebrate the five year anniversary of the WTA event!”

Applications are now open! Find out more and download a role description by visiting: www.lta.org.uk/NottinghamVolunteers. If you have any further questions please email: TeamNotts@lta.org.uk.