THE Fuzion 100 Ilkley Trophy tournament returned to Ilkley Tennis & Squash Club this week with the local community again at the heart of its operation.

Regarded as Yorkshire’s most prestigious tennis tournament, as part of the ITF Pro Circuit and ATP Challenger Tour, its success relies heavily on a team of over 200 local volunteers to help behind-the-scenes and make the event happen.

Since its debut in 2015 the tournament has gone from strength to strength, attracting increased prize money and a higher calibre field of players, and has been confirmed until at least 2022 – thanks in no small part to the efforts of locals and Ilkley Tennis Club members who volunteer their time each year to support the event.

Over 100 pupils from Ilkley Grammar School proudly applied be part of this year’s event as ball crews, with 88 going forward to attend five training sessions. The crews have proudly taken to the courts for the 100 matches that will make up eight days of blistering competition.

Simon Ickringill, Head Coach for the ball crews, said: “This is the third year we have worked with pupils from Ilkley Grammar School, by kind permission of the Headmistress. The training starts in April with children coming from Year 7 upwards. They become very committed; some may have not been on a tennis court before but go on to join Ilkley as members, so it’s a good way to introduce young people to the game.

“We try to create a real team unit from the start and it’s fantastic to see the changing personalities as they form new friendships and gain confidence as training and the competition progresses.”

Robin Burton, Head of P.E at Ilkley Grammar School, said: “It’s a fantastic experience for the pupils. You can really see them grow as individuals. It teaches them discipline and punctuality among other life attributes. The changes in the individuals we see after the event as they grow into great students is wonderful. It’s a superb event to be part of and we hope it continues for years to come.”

A further 30 local primary schools have been involved in the tournament’s outreach programme this year, with over 1,500 pupils expected to attend across the week. Young people are given the opportunity to take part in 40-minute tennis sessions, followed by the opportunity to sit court-side to watch the professionals play.

The Fuzion 100 Ilkley Trophy runs until Sunday, 24 June and provides a fantastic opportunity to see top talent as the British grass-court season continues to gather pace. Tickets start from £11.50.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit: www.lta.org.uk/fuzion-100-ilkley-trophy