The Ilkley Trophy, part of the ATP Challenger and ITF Women’s professional tennis calendar and the brief grass court season, will take place at the Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club [ILTSC] from 14-21 June 2020, opening with a free family day.
The tournament, which sees international players from the world’s top 100 as well as some of the UK’s brightest stars come to the Victorian spa town, is an opportunity to see world class tennis up close from players that go on to grace the courts at Wimbledon. On Sunday 14 June, the Ilkley Trophy will be free to attend with organisers encouraging all the family to come down to experience the event, be inspired by the elite sports stars and enjoy a smashing atmosphere.
Chris Brown, recently appointed Chairman of ILTSC, commented: “I’m very much looking forward to what is sure to be another fantastic Ilkley Trophy. In just 6 years the tournament has grown to become a significant date in the national tennis programme, for both players and tennis fans alike. The free Sunday is a great way to start the event and I hope that anyone interested in a fun day out will join us - tennis fan or not - and head home having had a new or rallied love for the sport.”
The Ilkley Trophy has been called the ‘friendliest’ event on the Challenger tour, much of which is down to the hundreds of volunteers who donate their time to be part of the tournament. Covering roles as diverse as stewarding the car park, managing the player desk, ticket checking and programme selling, the volunteers are a vital part of what makes the Ilkley Trophy a success. All volunteers this year will also be trained in the Prepared to Save a Life Scheme, an initiative from Ilkley’s Virtual College, set up to educate people with basic but essential skills required to save lives. The ILTSC is calling out for anyone interested in playing a part at the 2020 tournament to contact the club and register their interest by 3 May 2020.
Tickets are on sale for the rest of the Ilkley Trophy, with prices starting at £12 for a full days play: www.lta.org.uk/major-tennis-events/trophy-series/ilkley-trophy/tickets/