Game, set and match for Coventry's award-winning Ambassadors

Coventry Ambassadors will be returning to the Ricoh Arena as part of the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas tie between Great Britain and Russia.

The international tennis event will take place from Friday 5 to Sunday 7 April and will be the first appearance for Coventry Ambassadors at the Ricoh Arena since London 2012.

At London 2012 the role of the Coventry Ambassadors was well documented. More than 300 Coventry Ambassadors, were trained by Coventry University, and were on duty for all 12 Olympic football matches taking place at the City of Coventry stadium (The Ricoh Arena), contributing 14,000 volunteer hours over the eight match days. 

The project won praise from visitors to the city during the Olympics and went on to win awards too including the Coventry Cohesion Awards and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award 2012.

Dozens of Coventry Ambassadors will be meeting and greeting tennis fans to the Ricoh Arena and directing them around the Ricoh and to and from the venue car parks. Ambassadors will be on duty inside the stadium guiding spectators inside the stadium towards the courts, and checking tickets.

Cllr John Mutton, leader of Coventry City Council, said:

"This is great news and once again highlights the impact the Ambassadors have made following London 2012. The volunteers were at the Christmas Lights switch on, and were present at the Half Marathon and there is a real desire for them to be present at future major events. I’m sure they will leave a lasting impression on the Davis Cup too."However, the Ambassadors won’t be wearing their familiar pink and purple t-shirts on this occasion as the Davis Cup will have its own event day uniform. 

Gavin Fletcher, tournament director for the Davis Cup tie, said: 

"As soon as we discussed events volunteers the Ambassadors fitted the role perfectly. We knew what a warm welcome the volunteers provided at the Olympics and are confident they will be a great addition to the event. The team of Ambassadors will be wearing a one off uniform for the event – and I’m sure they will make a great impact as they did during London 2012."

David Boughey, sport volunteer coordinator at Coventry University, added:

"It's fantastic that the Coventry Ambassador volunteers will once again be involved at a major international event at the Ricoh Arena, which is where they did such a great job welcoming the world to the city in 2012. This volunteer legacy and the great service the ambassadors provide is sure to enhance the spectator experience at this prestigious event when it comes to Coventry next month."