RDO's

Regional Development Officers (RDOs) support the growth of tennis across their assigned area by working with clubs,
coaches, volunteers, the Tennis Ireland Disability Coordinator and the Tennis Ireland Schools Coordinator. They also
collaborate with Local Sports Partnerships, County Councils, Sport Ireland, Tennis Coach Ireland, World Tennis and teacher
associations.


Core Responsibilities

  • Club development & growth: Help clubs grow participation, attract and retain members, improve sustainability, and strengthen overall performance through workshops, webinars, and leadership courses.
  • Safeguarding & compliance: Support clubs completing Sport Ireland's safeguarding self-assessment and meeting required compliance standards.
  • Clubmark support: Guide clubs through the Clubmark process, explaining requirements, identifying improvement areas, and helping them achieve their chosen level.
  • Affiliation & network development: Promote the benefits of Tennis Ireland affiliation and help clubs connect with the national tennis network.
  • Programme delivery: Deliver and monitor participation and development programmes, ensuring players can access clear pathways within the sport.
  • Coach engagement: Support coach education, help recruit qualified coaches, and provide local mentoring and oversight where required.
  • Grant application support: Help clubs identify suitable grants and prepare applications for facility improvements, participation initiatives, and wider club development.
  • Schools & Transition Year Programmes: Support school tennis through the TY Leaders Course, teacher training for primary schools, taster days, and enabling PE tennis inclusion.
  • Enjoy Tennis: Help clubs establish and develop Enjoy Tennis programmes, advising on funding through Local Sports Partnerships and Sports Inclusion

Officers.
Meet Our RDOs


Darko Palavra
SOUTH LEINSTER
southleinstertennisrdo@tennisireland.ie


Ann-Marie Breen
NORTH LEINSTER
annmarie.rdo@tennisireland.ie

Tara Congdon
FINGAL
tara.rdo@tennisireland.ie

Get in touch with your local RDO to find out more