The combined forces of hundreds of volunteers, dozens of local businesses and thousands of young people are being rallied to help support the Aegon Ilkley Trophy achieve its potential when it returns to the Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club [ILTSC] this June. As the preparations gather pace, the club is encouraging the tennis communities of Yorkshire to come together and support the occasion by becoming directly involved in this stand-alone event which takes place from 11 -19 June.
There are many ways that people can be involved in the event and already 85 local people have come forward to be part of a core team of 190 volunteers who will ensure the smooth running of the event, across car parks, ticket desks and grandstands. 35 of these early birds were not involved last year and lead volunteer Carol Cherry is confident that the remaining slots will be soon filled by those interested attending an information event at ILTSC on 20 March at 12.30-2pm and through engagement with local tennis leagues, the Ilkley & District Volunteering Office, local universities and the YLTA (Yorkshire Lawn Tennis Association). Anyone keen to offer their services for the tournament is welcome to email Carolcherry26@gmail.com.
Ilkley Grammar School students at last year’s inaugural event were praised by the players and club for their enthusiasm and professionalism and will once again make up the all-important ball crew. 90 young people aged between 11 and 15 will be selected from a phenomenal response to a call out at the school and, will be in training from 21st April.
Local businesses are also getting in on the action with seven hotels in the area due to welcome guests from the hundreds of players, coaches and accompanying staff descending on Ilkley for the tournament. During the event, on site catering will come from regional companies highlighting the high quality we expect from the area’s food and drink suppliers.
Those keen to make moves towards being the next generation to take to the show courts can be more actively involved by joining in the Great British Tennis Weekends. All ages and abilities can try out the sport on the very same courts that the elite players will be dominating in the run up to the Aegon Ilkley Trophy. 2,000 young people from across the region are expected to attend the event with 32 schools from as far afield as Goole having so far committed to taking over 1,000 young people to ILTSC for a training session and the chance to see the professionals in action.
ILTSC general manager Charlie Maunder said: “The Aegon Ilkley Trophy is made a success by the diverse range of people that come together to make it happen. In the early stages this is all the team here at the club alongside partner organisations including the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) but as the tournament approaches it becomes something else. That’s when the entire community in and around the club, the town and beyond really pull together to make it an incredibly warm and welcoming, world-class experience for players, visitors, friends and volunteers alike.”
Demand is high for tickets for the Aegon Ilkley Trophy with over 1,100 tickets sold in the first week. With a capacity of 1,000 tickets per day and just 600 for finals day on Sunday 19 June, organisers are recommending booking early. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://www.theticketfactory.com/ltaci/online/