Vicki Sadler - Junior Tennis Intern 2019/20

Course:           BA Hons Sport Business Management

Why did you choose to apply for the Tennis Internship programme?

I chose to apply for the Internship programme as I already had previous experience with coaching tennis, and I believed the Internship would be able to develop my skills further as well as allowing me to gain some qualifications in the process.

What did you enjoy most about the programme and why?

I enjoyed building relationships with the other interns, mentors and especially the students. By having good relationships, it meant that the whole process was fluid. It was good to see the students progressing over the weeks as they developed the correct technique and knowledge to play better.

What skills has the internship helped you to acquire or develop?

I have been able to develop both my coaching and leadership skills when teaching the students. In addition, my organisation has been improved especially as a result of the mini tennis red competition which I organised. The internship has also increased my confidence when coaching as I can when needed deliver exercises within the session independently.

What would you say to recommend this programme to new interns?

This programme enables you as an intern to develop your coaching experience as well as gaining some important qualifications and skills. As an intern you also become part of a team working together to achieve goals throughout the year such as completing the Level 1 Coaching Award.

What advice would you give to someone applying for the programme in the future?

If you have an interest in tennis and want to improve or acquire coaching skills then I would apply. You don’t necessarily have to the be the best tennis player but if you are willing to put the hours in coaching and some information about playing tennis, then that’s all you need.

What was the biggest challenge?

Sometimes it was quite hard managing university work and your own sport etc with the internship, but my mentors were very supportive and flexible in which coaching sessions I did and the timings of meetings.

Corey Muslek - Junior Tennis Intern 2019/20

Course:               BSc Hons Sport and Exercise Science

I saw it as an opportunity to further my knowledge of tennis coaching and become more confident on and off the court. I also wanted to push myself to try something new with coaching at a completely new place.

It is a great opportunity to further yourself both coaching and off court as you will gain invaluable experience from helping coach next to the amazing coaches at Stirling. Do as much as you can on the programme as they are excellent experiences that’ll help you across the academic board.