IiP Apprentice Alex Machin joins Radley as Assistant Professional
The opportunity for the young Real Tennis player was made possible by his completion of T and RA's Investing in Professionals training and IiP apprenticeship at Wellington.
The Tennis and Rackets Association (T&RA) and the Real Champions’ Club (RCC), together with Investing in Professionals (IiP), are proud to announce that Alex Machin will be starting as an Assistant Professional at Radley later this September. This is a complete endorsement of the IiP programme, Wellington’s role as trainers and Radley’s belief in the process. The apprenticeship and external accreditation is provided by partners Sports Structures.
Alex’s exciting career move follows his successful completion of the IiP programme, which offers trainees professional education, court training and court-related skills that allows them to develop a meaningful career in Real Tennis. Alex began the IiP program with a 13-month apprenticeship at Wellington, during which time he also completed his Real Tennis Professional Qualification Level 1, as well as a Business Administration Diploma.
"Radley College Tennis Court extends a warm welcome to Alex Machin. He joins the team of professionals who look after a thriving club membership and introduce new waves of College students to the delights of Real Tennis,” said Chris Ronaldson, Head Professional at Radley, in a statement to the T&RA. “As a monthly contributor to IiP since its inception, Radley is delighted to have obtained the services of one of the first graduates of the scheme. We hope that this marks the beginning of a much-needed programme for developing new professionals."
Adds Danny Jones, Head Professional at Wellington, “During the year Alex has become a valuable member of the team and contributed to the success of the club, gaining valuable experience on and off court – notably dropping his handicap from 65 to 28.2, which is an incredible feat. We are pleased to announce (and sad) that Alex has been offered and accepted a job at Radley and will start his new role at the end of the month. We wish Alex the best of luck in his career in Real Tennis and don’t be a stranger Alex!”
The Investing in Professionals program aims to build on the illustrious past of Real Tennis and secure the sport’s future by giving the next generation of apprentice professionals top-notch training and education to ensure that the clubs and the game thrive. The programme equips trainees with Real Tennis teaching skills as well as business and management expertise, both of which allow graduates to become independently successful with attractive career paths full of opportunity.
IiP is a stand-alone entity which is supported and principally funded by the Tennis & Rackets Association and the Real Champions’ Club. It is also supported by The Real Tennis Clubs, the International Real Tennis Professionals’ Association (IRTPA), the Dedanists’ Society and the Dedanists' Foundation.
Over 45 volunteers were involved in producing the programme, which is now managed by the Operational Continuous Improvement Panel (OCIP). Sport Structures have provided a vital partnership throughout the process and continue to work closely on a day-to-day basis.
The T&RA is the governing body for the sports of Real Tennis & Rackets. It is responsible for the promotion, growth and governance of both sports in the UK. For more information, visit www.tennisandrackets.com.
