Asia Pacific Coach Inclusion Program

1m read 01 Nov 2025 3mo ago

WTA

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION & PARTNERS

In 2024, the WTA took a bold step toward broadening the global coaching landscape with the launch of the Asia Pacific Coach Inclusion Program, created in partnership with Tennis Australia. Delivered in Hong Kong during the past two Hong Kong Opens, the program has quickly become a transformative platform for developing coaches who reflect the diversity, ambition, and innovation of the region.

The initiative is led by Tennis Australia’s Head of Performance Coach Development, Belinda Colaneri, whose expertise and vision have been central to the program’s impact. In 2025, Colaneri joined forces with WTA Director of Player Relations Jaslyn Hewitt-Shehadie to co-write a refreshed Coach Inclusion course, ensuring a consistent global framework that aligns coaching excellence with inclusivity. Their collaboration has unified the program’s values and standards across continents, empowering women coaches from every corner of the world to access the same high-quality development experience.

The Asia Pacific region has embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm. Across its first two cohorts, the program has welcomed participants from India, New Zealand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, Thailand, and South Korea, creating a vibrant cross-cultural learning environment. These coaches bring unique perspectives shaped by their national tennis ecosystems, enriching peer-to-peer exchange and strengthening the regional coaching community.

Reflecting Tennis Australia’s strong commitment to diversity and accessibility, the program also extended invitations beyond the region, opening doors for coaches from South Africa and Germany.

APPLICANT CRITERIA & APPLICATION DEADLINES

To be eligible to apply you must meet two of the following criteria:

Nomination by an Oceania or Asian Federation
Former WTA Full Member
Current or former WTA Associate Member with 2 of years performance coaching experience
Hold a current Coach certification or qualification
Private coach to ITF Junior player with 3 years of coaching experience.
Current National Police Check & Working with Children Check relevant to your country

Other qualifications that may be considered along with other criteria: