Jordan McKnight
Lisburn
Summary
Dedicated and experienced tennis coach with over 8 years of experience in coaching at various levels. Proven track record of developing players' skills, fostering teamwork, and achieving competitive success. Adept at creating and implementing comprehensive training programmes that focus on skill development, strategy, and physical conditioning. Passionate about promoting the sport of tennis to all ages and abilities and mentoring athletes to reach their full potential, both on and off the court. Strong leadership and communication skills, with a commitment to upholding the highest standards of excellence and integrity in all coaching activities.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Performance coaching team
Ulster Tennis
09.2024 - 09.2025
- Selected to join the Ulster Performance Coaching Team, recognising my passion and dedication to player development. Led the U12 performance squad as the lead coach, while also coaching other age groups ranging from U10 to U18.
- Designed and created tailored training sessions for performance players, focusing on advanced techniques, strategy, and physical conditioning.
- Provided detailed progress reports on players, highlighting their development, strengths, and areas for improvement.
- Collaborated with other performance coaches to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive training programme for all players.
Lead Coach
Banbridge Tennis Club
02.2024 - 09.2025
- Created the coaching programme at Banbridge Tennis Club, transforming it from a club without an active coaching programme to one with a thriving 4-day coaching schedule.
- Successfully established a programme that now has over 80 players attending every week, catering to various skill levels and age groups.
- Organised and ran summer camps over the past two summer holidays, with over 100 kids attending during that time.
- Implemented online booking systems for squad and summer camp sessions, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for all members.
Assistant Head Tennis Coach
Hilden Tennis Club
01.2023 - 09.2025
- Spearheaded the development and implementation of the Junior Members programme aimed at players of all levels, with a focus on using the games-based approach for skill development.
- Successfully led and ran coaching sessions for the club teams, leading to success in the Adult and Junior leagues throughout 2025.
- Organised and managed external and internal tournaments at the club, alongside the head coach, ensuring high levels of participation and receiving very positive feedback from participants.
- Recruited, trained, and mentored assistant coaches and support staff for the club members programme, and provided guidance to help them pass their coaching qualifications, offering to serve as a reference.
- Led the tennis sessions for the Girls in Sport event held at Lisburn Racquets Club in partnership with Tennis Ireland. This event specifically targeted primary school girls, aiming to boost their confidence in playing sports. It provided equal opportunities for all girls, regardless of their background, to participate and enjoy the sport in a supportive and encouraging environment.
- Led a Visually Impaired session at Lisburn Racquets Club for over a year in partnership with Tennis Ireland. I was fortunate to work with some fantastic people and gained a broader perspective on how tennis is a sport for all, regardless of disability or ability.
Performance and Development Coach
Hilden Tennis Academy
09.2018 - 09.2025
- Developed and delivered comprehensive training programmes for all age groups alongside the head coach.
- Designed tailored coaching sessions to cater to various skill levels.
- Mentored junior coaches towards achieving Level 1 Tennis Ireland qualification or the Duke of Edinburgh award.
- Led junior development squads on Fridays, performance squads on Sundays and Tuesdays.
- Contributed to the successful Lisburn Junior Open tournament at Lisburn Rackets Club.
- Modified training regimes based on athlete feedback and performance observations.
- Organised team cohesion activities, including HTA Christmas parties, fostering a positive environment.
Club Coach
Newcastle Tennis Club
09.2018 - 04.2025
- Supported the Head coach and led sessions ranging from Beginner juniors and adults up to tournament performance players.
- Initially, I was running school programmes alongside the head coach. I took over the lead coaching role for the school's program, where I ran after-school tennis classes once a week.
- Continue to assist the club in organising external tournaments as an active member of the tournament committee.
- Managed comprehensive training programmes to meet athlete's specific needs.
- Optimised training schedules by considering individual athlete's capacity and goals.
Club Coach
Portadown Tennis Club
09.2022 - 09.2023
- Supported the head coach in designing and implementing training programmes tailored to beginner players across all age groups, including red ball participants and introductory adult classes.
- Initially, I was running school programmes alongside the head coach. I took over the lead coaching role for the school's program, where I ran after-school tennis classes.
- Continue to assist the club in organising external tournaments as an active member of the tournament committee.
- Supported and led sessions ranging from Beginner juniors and adults up to tournament performance players.
Club Coach
Hilden Tennis Club
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Led the club's social tennis programme once a week, targeting beginner-level adults who were keen to learn the basics and have fun.
- Conducted individual and group coaching sessions for all ages and abilities, providing personalised feedback and guidance to enhance player performance and enjoyment of tennis.
- Been a part of the coaching team for the junior members programme on Saturdays. Throughout my time, I have been given more responsibility and now serve as the lead coach for these sessions.
Education
Masters Degree - Chemistry
Queens University
Belfast, Northern Ireland /2018 - /2022
Higher National Diploma - Chemistry
Belfast Metropolitan College
Belfast, Northern Ireland /2017 - /2018
GCSEs -
Friends School Lisburn
Lisburn, Northern Ireland /2013 - /2015
A-Levels -
Friends School Lisburn
Lisburn, Northern Ireland /2015 - /2017
Skills
- Excellent knowledge of tennis techniques and strategies
- Strong leadership and communication skills
- Ability to develop and implement training programmes
- Experience in organising and managing tournaments
- Proficient in using coaching software and tools
- Ability to mentor and develop assistant coaches
- Experience in working with diverse groups, including visually impaired athletes
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- Ability to create a positive and inclusive environment for all players
- Experience in leading community outreach programmes and events
Certification
- Tennis Ireland Level 2 Licensed Coach
- Up-to-date enhanced Access NI Vetting
- Child Safeguarding Certification
- SafeCert Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid at Work
References
Available upon request.
Timeline
Performance coaching team
Ulster Tennis
09.2024 - 09.2025
Lead Coach
Banbridge Tennis Club
02.2024 - 09.2025
Assistant Head Tennis Coach
Hilden Tennis Club
01.2023 - 09.2025
Club Coach
Portadown Tennis Club
09.2022 - 09.2023
Performance and Development Coach
Hilden Tennis Academy
09.2018 - 09.2025
Club Coach
Newcastle Tennis Club
09.2018 - 04.2025
Club Coach
Hilden Tennis Club
01.2017 - 01.2023
Masters Degree - Chemistry
Queens University
/2018 - /2022
Higher National Diploma - Chemistry
Belfast Metropolitan College
/2017 - /2018
GCSEs -
Friends School Lisburn
/2013 - /2015
A-Levels -
Friends School Lisburn
/2015 - /2017