It is no secret that coaching has always been an old boys club. Unfortunately, this rings true on an even greater level in tennis. Statistically, only 19 percent of registered tennis coaches in Australia are women. France has an even smaller proportion, where only 15 percent of registered coaches are female. On a global level, the number is fewer than 20 percent.
Fortunately, the Women’s Tennis Coaching Association is taking the necessary steps to change this phenomenon. The WTCA believes that by creating a global community of like-minded individuals, female coaches have more opportunities to advance their careers, while also creating a positive environment for their athletes.
Studies have shown that networking, mentorship, and professional development events are crucial to increasing opportunities for women in coaching. With this information in mind, the WTCA set out to create educational opportunities through their conferences, most recently in Paris on May 25-26.
“The primary goal for our WTCA conferences is to provide coaches with education and training that inspires and safeguards all female tennis players to achieve their best on and off the court,” said WTCA CEO Sarah Stone. “However, we also hope to create more opportunities for female coaches by helping them grow professionally in a secure, positive, and transparent environment.”
Female tennis coaches came from far and wide to seek this professional growth at the WTCA Conference Paris. In fact, 47 percent of the sold-out crowd was comprised of women with representation from 20 different countries. Considering that less than 20 percent of registered tennis coaches are females, this figure is extremely encouraging.
Statistically, organizations are content with merely two out of 12 speaking slots at a conference being filled by women. If less than 17 percent of the speakers at a conference are women, how can we expect an equal proportion of male and female attendees?
At the WTCA Conference Paris, a staggering 61 percent of the speakers were women. The global problem within the tennis industry is growing the number of registered female tennis coaches. The WTCA is cracking this code. More female speakers equates to more female attendees, which results in a heightened number of female tennis players.
“Our conference in Paris was a huge stepping stone for female coaches across the globe,” said Stone. “By creating networking communities and giving our coaches the chance to be inspired by our trailblazing female speakers, I believe that we are taking the necessary actions to not only keep more women in the sport of tennis but also to create more opportunities for female coaches.”
Professional growth is paramount at the WTCA. The goal of each and every conference is to inspire the next generation of coaches by creating an inclusive environment where men and women can thrive together. After Paris, the WTCA is one step closer to achieving this ultimate goal.