Working in partnership with MiMentor, our innovative digital collaborators, e.t.c coaching consultants (Sarah McQuade and Linda Low) were proud to lead the second cohort of the PTR's (Professional Tennis Registry) Tennis Coach Mentor Certificate. The participants in this second cohort are all active Coach Developers with the PTR, enhancing their skills to foster better coaching.
This certificate is the first officially recognized program to be awarded by the PTR, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to coaching excellence.
The Importance of Mentorship
Embracing a straightforward cascade philosophy, we believe that better mentors lead to better coaches, and better coaches lead to improved player recruitment, development, and retention.
Quality coaching is the foundation of tennis experiences and success, and effective mentorship is the cornerstone of quality coaching.
A Blended Learning Approach
The Tennis Coach Mentor Certificate employs a blended approach, combining online learning with a series of interactive webinars. This design ensures that Coach Mentors can:
Explore the concept and practice of mentoring
Apply mentoring concepts and tools within their own coaching environments
Reflect on and develop their mentoring effectiveness
The Role of MiMentor
We extend our heartfelt thanks to MiMentor for providing the digital platform that has been instrumental in delivering the foundational content necessary for understanding the art and science of mentoring. This platform has enabled mentors to access crucial information efficiently and effectively.
Webinars: Deep Dives into Mentorship
The series of three webinars offered an excellent opportunity for mentors to delve deeply into their learning and the application of mentoring principles.
Webinar 1: Focused on the role of the mentor and explored how to create a psychologically safe space. This session empowered coaches to embrace discomfort, encouraging them to stretch and challenge themselves to grow both personally and professionally.
Webinar 2: Generated robust discussions on using the GROW process as a framework for facilitating reflective conversations and fostering growth among coaches, leveraging the coaching environment as a breeding ground for learning.
Webinar 3: Highlighted the skills necessary for effective mentorship, emphasizing the importance of unlocking a coach's potential without attempting to clone them in the mentor's likeness.
Applying Learning in Real-World Contexts
The true test now lies in mentors applying their newfound knowledge and skills within their own coach development contexts. They must demonstrate how they are supporting and developing coaches in their environments.
Mentors who successfully complete the program will earn the PTR Tennis Coach Mentor Certificate, contributing to the #PTRBadge initiative. This recognition not only validates their expertise but also underscores their commitment to advancing the quality of tennis coaching.
Looking Ahead
As our mentors embark on this journey, we wish them the best of luck. By applying these #gamechanging concepts and tools, they are set to enhance coach effectiveness and, ultimately, elevate the sport of tennis.
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