'Energy and positivity': the ITF's new Caribbean Development Officer
Growing the game from the ground up and creating opportunities for players everywhere to chase their dreams are key purposes of the ITF and what the world governing body is all about.
To this end, whether directly or through its member nations, the ITF reinvests 90 per cent of its income each year into the game. This helps to grow tennis for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
Improving the sport for future generations is also key, while the global development of tennis, particularly within underrepresented nations, will always be a priority.
Key to implementing the ITF’s development strategy is the highly regarded Development Officers’ programme, which has a wide-ranging remit but essentially relates to the developmental boots on the ground.
Under the supervision of the ITF and by working closely with National and Regional Associations, Development Officers oversee the delivery of education, participation, performance, events, facilities and resources and admin.
In practical terms, this means establishing the ITF Junior Tennis Initiative in a particular nation, conducting coaches’ courses, helping to recognise & upgrade facilities and ensuring a promising player has the necessary support to pursue their career – and much more besides.
Starting this month, Evan Heyliger of Bermuda will assume the role of ITF Development Officer for the Caribbean, taking over from John Goede who had been in position since 2015.
Heyliger, who is fluent in English and Spanish, is a level two ITF-certified coach with extensive experience within this field, while he is also a certified personal trainer, strength and conditioning coach and nutritionist.
Since 2014, Heyliger has worked as a tennis coach with the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association while more recently he has been a national junior tennis coach with the federation, working with his nations most talented youngsters.
“It is a real privilege to be appointed as the ITF Development Officer for the Caribbean and I am looking forward to getting started and making a difference across the region,” said Heyliger, who is a Bachelor of International Business.
“I bring energy, positivity and dedication to every opportunity and I intend to bring this to the table as I contribute to the ongoing development of tennis across the Caribbean.
“My whole career has centred around developing athletes and helping them to become smarter, healthier, happier and more skilful. I want to bring these qualities to the role of ITF Development Officer and make a difference on a wider scale.”
Luca Santilli, the ITF’s Executive Director of Tennis Development, added: “We are incredibly excited to work with Evan as tennis across the Caribbean continues to grow and develop.
“Evan is a very talented individual who knows the region well. We cannot wait to see him build upon the excellent work done by John Goede and take tennis development across the Caribbean to new heights.”