Launch of the ITF and IC Player Mentoring Programme

The IC Council is proud to announce the launch of the ITF and IC Player Mentoring Programme, in partnership with Give Learn. This unique initiative is designed to support players as they navigate the demands of professional tennis and plan for life beyond the game.

The programme will offer players on the ITF tours the opportunity to be matched with an experienced mentor from the worlds of finance, technology, entrepreneurship and beyond — someone who can offer guidance, perspective and a genuine connection outside of tennis.

Over the course of twelve months, participants will receive eight one-to-one sessions with their mentor alongside four group workshops covering topics such as building your personal brand on LinkedIn, starting a business while competing, financial planning, and preparing for a career after tennis.

Whether a player is thinking about their next chapter or simply wants to grow beyond the court, this programme could be for them.

Players can apply by logging in to the ITF website at itftennis.com using their IPIN. The deadline for 2026 applications is 30 June 2026.

For more information, click here to read more about the programme or contact player.care@itftennis.com with any queries.

Become a programme mentor

Our global IC community is full of individuals who have built successful careers in a wide range of fields and may have valuable experience to offer participants on the ITF and IC Player Mentoring Programme as mentors.

In particular, we’d like to hear from IC members who have:

• Industry expertise — a recognised leader or specialist in their field with a track record that players can learn from and credibility that commands respect
• Genuine desire to give back — motivated by impact rather than profile, someone who sees mentoring as a privilege not a transaction
• Time availability — senior enough to be valuable, but not so stretched they can't show up consistently for a monthly session
• Cross-cultural awareness — comfortable working with young athletes from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, many of whom are navigating life outside their home country
• Commercial or entrepreneurial experience — able to help players think about life beyond sport, from brand building and investments to business foundations and financial literacy
• Emotional intelligence — understands the unique pressures of elite sport, can listen as well as advise, and knows the difference between coaching and mentoring.

If this sounds like you and you would like to be considered to become a programme mentor, please contact James Cluskey from Give Learn at j.cluskey@givelearn.net. James is a member of the IC of Ireland – you can read more about his tennis and IC background here.

The Tennis Ball

On Saturday 10th November 2018 over 500 guests descended upon the London Hilton Park Lane, to help raise money for two of Britain’s leading tennis charities; Give It Your Max (GIYM) and the IC Philanthropic Programme (ICP).  

The ball was compered by leading Sky Sports presenter Marcus Buckland, with a key note speech by Sir Trevor Mcdonald, who is Patron of both charities.   Leading British comedian Dominic Holland entertained the guests and speed painter Dave Sharp painted two spectacular portraits of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic which were auctioned that evening and will be signed by both players.

Money was raised through a raffle, donations and auction items.  The live auction was a great success, skilfully directed by the entertaining and highly regarded auctioneer Charlie Ross.  

Tim Henman and Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow MP were amongst the many personalities present.  Guests danced into the early hours to The All Time All-Stars, 10 piece band. 

Tim Henman, former British Tennis No.1 and GIYM Patron said:
“The Tennis Ball is a wonderful event for two fantastic charities. I’ve worked closely with Give It Your Max and the work they do is really helping to enhance the life of so many children. The money raised from this year’s Tennis Ball will help them to grow their programme to even more areas across the UK.”

Honorary President of The Tennis Ball John Beddington said:

“The fifth Tennis Ball was the most successful we have held yet, raising much needed funds for GIYM and IC Philanthropy – much more than we could have ever expected. This money will go to these two very worthwhile charitable tennis initiatives, giving many children all over the world the opportunity to play tennis.”

The Tennis Ball was supported by Linklaters, Zoo Communications, Maui Jim and City AM.

For more information and to view the video from the night visit http://www.thetennisball.co.uk

Pictures from the night can be seen in the gallery below and by Clicking here