Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club was founded in 1877 and is one of the oldest tennis clubs in the world.
Based in Dublin, the Club has a thriving membership, has hosted over 140 Irish Tennis Open
Championships and is the home of the Irish Squash Open. The Club offers a variety of activities for its
members and recently invested in a major clubhouse extension, refurbishment and court
enhancements. The Club has 6 outdoor and 4 indoor tennis courts, 6 squash courts including the only
glass squash court in the country, and 3 padel courts. We aim to provide the best facilities and
activities to our members in a social & inclusive environment.
We wish to appoint a Director of Racket Sports. This will be an active role, involving constant
interaction with members, Club management, staff and committees, and will require flexibility in
working hours.
Key Responsibilities:
Reporting to, and under the direction of the General Manager of the Club, and in close collaboration
with other staff, in particular the Sports Co-Ordinator, and the Club officers, to:
Manage all Tennis, Squash & Padel activities;
Direct and promote the development of racket sport programmes at all levels, proactively
encouraging member participation in all racket sports and at all levels of play;
Direct and supervise adult & junior coaching at elite, improver, social and beginner levels,
collaborating closely with coaches to deliver coaching objectives;
Liaise closely with the Club’s racket sports committees to support all activities, including
internal and external competitions, leagues, ladders, fixtures, team selection, hosting open
tournaments (including liaison with sports NGBs)
Enthusiastically provide innovative & creative initiatives to support participation across all
categories of membership.
Support and participate in welcome activities for new members.
Manage & support key club events each calendar year across all racket sports.
Manage relationships with clubs in Ireland and abroad with which the Club has reciprocal
arrangements and/or fixtures.
Support the recruitment process for new members, particularly in respect of invited junior
membership within the catchment area.
Please note: This is a full-time role. While the successful candidate may be required to provide
coaching to league and Club fixture teams as part of their job role, independent paid coaching will
not be permitted.
Key Qualifications:
Experience as a Director of Rackets or equivalent position with management/supervisor
experience.
Evidence of rackets experience, at a competitive level, with strong knowledgeable background
in racket sports.
Proven track record in supporting and delivering operational excellence, member engagement
and continuous improvement in rackets sports.
Excellent communications, interpersonal & collaborative skills, with experience operating within
Club structure, supporting sports committees and engaging with different stakeholders.
Strong management and organisation skills to motivate, encourage and drive racket programs
within a planned structured calendar of activities.
Ability to manage internal and external stakeholders.
Results and services oriented.
Competent with use of technology, email, MS Office etc.
Garda Vetted
Completion of safeguarding training in accordance with Sport Ireland Safeguarding Guidance for
Children and Young People in Sport. The successful candidate will be expected undertake
training (if not already qualified) to become a Club Child Protection Officer and/or Designated
Liaison Person.
Remuneration:
Remuneration will be competitive, commensurate with experience and will be discussed as part of
the recruitment process.
Application:
Applicants should send a Curriculum Vitae, along with a cover letter to outline or highlight any
additional points. Applicants must provide the name of two relevant referees who will be contacted
prior to a contract being offered. Applicants can apply via post to c/o General Manager, Fitzwilliam
Lawn Tennis Club, Appian Way, Dublin 6, D06X6X2, or by email to [email protected], to arrive no later
than 23rd February 2023
The Federation of Irish Sport announced the official support of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships for the 2022 Volunteers in Sports Awards. The nationwide awards recognise individual volunteers at sports clubs and organisations across the country, who give freely of their time and energy to their local club to help make sport happen.
The 2022 Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships will be celebrated on the 22nd March 2023 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown. In light of the of this announcement the closing date will now be extended to Wednesday 8th February. Nominations can be made by completing a short online entry form HERE
The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships has a huge presence in sport at a grassroots level engaging with local communities to promote physical activity for all ages and abilities, removing barriers and increasing inclusivity. They offer a wide variety of opportunities to access training, education and targeted programmes and initiatives in sport.
The Federation of Irish Sport announced the official support of the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships for the 2022 Volunteers in Sports Awards. The nationwide awards recognise individual volunteers at sports clubs and organisations across the country, who give freely of their time and energy to their local club to help make sport happen.
The 2022 Volunteers in Sport Awards, supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships will be celebrated on the 22nd March 2023 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown. In light of the of this announcement the closing date will now be extended to Wednesday 8th February. Nominations can be made by completing a short online entry form HERE
The National Network of Local Sports Partnerships has a huge presence in sport at a grassroots level engaging with local communities to promote physical activity for all ages and abilities, removing barriers and increasing inclusivity. They offer a wide variety of opportunities to access training, education and targeted programmes and initiatives in sport.
Course organiser: Eddie Murphy
email: [email protected]
Weekend 1 – Jan 28th/29th 2023
Weekend 2 – Feb 18th/19th 2023
Course Duration: The course will run for as above with an assessment on the final day. Each candidate must submit a video of themselves playing squash for 2 mins approx on Whatsapp to 087 2651645 prior to being accepted on the course.
Candidates will be on court and in class room during the course.
COURSE FEE
The course fee of €275 must to be paid upon entry to this link: – HERE
As this course is part of the WSF Coach Education Programme, participants must register with their SPIN as a coach on the WSF website – HERE
As a L1 Coach Candidate, which costs GBP 16. (once off fee) You must do this before the course starts.
N.B. This is a different SPIN to your player SPIN.
Candidates must apply for Garda vetting details on the Irish Squash web site – https://www.irishsquash.com/garda-vetting/
Also you must attend a Safeguarding 1 course, see the Local Sports Partnership in the county you live, to register for a course. It is just €15 and takes one evening to complete.
Click on the website of your LSP and put in ‘Safeguarding 1’ in the search box to find courses.
N.B. Children First certificates from Tusla as well as Ireland Active Foundation Level Children’s First Safeguarding course are not recognised as valid Safeguarding Training for sport.
If you are under 18 then you will have to wait until you become 18 to do these.
You will get your coaching badge then, if you are successful.
Course organiser: Eddie Murphy
email: [email protected]
Weekend 1 – Jan 28th/29th 2023
Weekend 2 – Feb 18th/19th 2023
Course Duration: The course will run for as above with an assessment on the final day. Each candidate must submit a video of themselves playing squash for 2 mins approx on Whatsapp to 087 2651645 prior to being accepted on the course.
Candidates will be on court and in class room during the course.
COURSE FEE
The course fee of €275 must to be paid upon entry to this link: – HERE
As this course is part of the WSF Coach Education Programme, participants must register with their SPIN as a coach on the WSF website – HERE
As a L1 Coach Candidate, which costs GBP 16. (once off fee) You must do this before the course starts.
N.B. This is a different SPIN to your player SPIN.
Candidates must apply for Garda vetting details on the Irish Squash web site – https://www.irishsquash.com/garda-vetting/
Also you must attend a Safeguarding 1 course, see the Local Sports Partnership in the county you live, to register for a course. It is just €15 and takes one evening to complete.
Click on the website of your LSP and put in ‘Safeguarding 1’ in the search box to find courses.
N.B. Children First certificates from Tusla as well as Ireland Active Foundation Level Children’s First Safeguarding course are not recognised as valid Safeguarding Training for sport.
If you are under 18 then you will have to wait until you become 18 to do these.
You will get your coaching badge then, if you are successful.
British Junior Open day 4&5:
The juggernaut of an event came to a conclusion today with Finlay Whittington claiming the U19 boys title in all English final and Amina Orfi taking the girls event in an all Egyptian affair.
The semifinals were hugely entertaining and a packed arena stayed until almost 10.30pm to witness the quality matches, the same in all the the finals from U11 to U19, capacity crowds which is pretty cool to see for junior squash!!
As the event progressed the amount of matches our Irish players were winning was becoming a lot more positive. We had Danny Lynch claiming a big win 16-14 in the 5th game of his match, getting revenge on his English opponent from previous events. Sara Sabry doing herself proud along with Elliot Kelly who managed to hobble off the line and get two wins from his final three matches, pushing his finishing position higher.
Sean Murphy was similarly impressive, winning with an almost empty tank against quality French opposition.
Maria Protsepova unfortunately suffered a loss as she pulled out due to stomach issues, and in the U13 boys David Connell had a great performance but unfortunately couldn’t get over the line..
A huge win in the last Irish match of the event, Jack O’Flynn continues to impress and saw off the Hong Kong no.1 in straight games.. a top 25 in the world finish for Jack!!
This event was certainly an eye opener for many competitors, the professional end of junior squash very much on show. There’s nothing quite like it.. all our player can be super proud of themselves and their performances!
Back to the Irish junior circuit next month, not quite as hectic but looking forward to it.
Day 2 &3
British Junior Open day 2&3:
Days two and three saw some of the busiest days you’re ever likely to see at any squash event the world over. In fact I would argue few sports in the world could rival this event for international attendance and highly professional level from 10 year olds to 18 year olds.
No matter the club you went to, every court had huge emotion, an abundance of talent and passion and could feature players from India, Malaysia or Australia as far as Canada and Columbia, and every country in between. A sight to behold.
Our Irish players were holding themselves to a superb level, doing us proud. It didn’t matter if it was main draw in the boys under 19 or playing for the lower ranks in the younger categories, every effort was made, nothing left on the court and that’s something to be proud of as both a player and coach.
Far too many matches played and huge performances put in to mention but to summarise a few…
David Connell is Ireland’s youngest representative, he got a win under his belt against a Swedish player today, 3-0! Shryia Drawid fought hard to get through in 5 at Solihull this morning but unfortunately lost in the evening match. Sara Sabry and Victoria Protsepova are battling hard! Sara got herself a win, Victoria bitterly close losing 12-10 in the 4th!
Maria Protsepova got a win yesterday but had a couple of hard loses today, both against superb shot makers from Singapore and Korea, lots learned in those matches. Sophie Thomas waited until this evening for her best performance, winning in 5 against a solid Greek opponent.
Frank O’Flynn has found his form and has two wins under his belt! Danny Lynch, after winning his first round match has had some tough opponents, he’ll be hoping to get back to winning ways tomorrow.
Sean Murphy had two monster matches, one taking out an American in a lengthy 5 setter (Sean says it was 1 hour 40 minutes…..) and another today against an old Belgian enemy which he came out the wrong side of.
Jack O’Flynn pushed hard yesterday but fell short against Lazlo Goode of France, had a walk over today. Big test tomorrow!
Still two days to go, the business end of the draws have all moved to the glass court in the university, makes for some good watching if anyone is interested, very professional presentation and free to watch online, just visit britishjunioropen . com
David Noone
Day 1
Edgbaston Priory Club, arguably England’s best rackets club – immaculate facilities for squash and tennis, top notch bar/restaurant, outdoor heated pool to mention a few amenities.
University of Birmingham, gigantic sports campus that has everything imaginable for a sports venue, including the spectacular glass court for this event.
Solihull Arden Club, quaint and a proper club feel from this venue.
West Warwick’s Sports Club, great squash set up with four glass back courts in the perfect coaching scenario, glass backs facing each other.
620 matches on day one alone. Almost 14 hours of play. 11 Irish players among nearly 900 of the worlds best juniors.
BoysU13; David Connell, Connacht, played two but unfortunately no joy in either. A player showing huge promise and will gain invaluable experience from an event like this.
GirlsU15; Shryia Drawid, Ulster, played one and lost one, was definitely in the running for the match but couldn’t convert, plenty more to come.
Boys17; Danny Lynch, Connacht. Frank O’Flynn, Leinster. Danny had a great start, winning in 3. Progressed to play the no.5 seed from Malaysia, a former runner up in this event. Played very well and ran him close in two games but ultimately lost in 3. Excellent performance. Frank had a tough opener and lost in 3 but will look forward to a chance in tomorrow mornings match.
GirlsU17; Sara Sabry and Victoria Protsepova, Leinster. Both lost in 3. Victoria played a Canadian who was technically excellent and went on to upset the seeding in her next match – great exposure for Victoria. Sara was out gunned by a top player who never let her settle into her rhythm.
BoysU19; Sean Murphy, Jack O’Flynn and Elliot Kelly, Leinster. Sean won his first, played the US junior open champion in his next and took the opener. Lost in 4, but a performance to be proud of. Jack is two wins from two, playing well and will look to upset the seedlings tomorrow! He took out the Spanish no.1 in his second match of the 128 draw. Elliot was unfortunate to lose a tight match, he’ll look for a powerful plate run.
GirlsU19; Sophie Thomas, Ulster. Maria Protsepova, Leinster. Sophie played great, went toe to toe with her American opponent, close but no cigar. Maria put in an outstanding performance, playing one of the worlds best. Pushed hard in the first two especially but eventually lost in 3.
Another mammoth day lies ahead tomorrow. This is such an exciting event, every match having so much emotion attached and the quality couldn’t be higher, looking forward to some quality Irish performances.
David Noone
