Volunteer at Yorkshire's premier tennis event

A team of 200 helpers is needed at the Aegon Ilkley Trophy, which takes place in June on Ilkley Lawn Tennis and Squash Club’s grass courts.

The tournament is an important date on the pre-Wimbledon calendar for both men and women ranked inside the world’s top 150.

The tournament has ATP Challenger status and attracts talent from all over the world to compete.
Volunteers do not have to be club members, and can get involved with selling programmes, directing parking, supporting players and more. Volunteers must be aged over 16, and need to sign up by the deadline of April 9.

Training events will take place in the Spring before on-site briefings are organised in June, and there is also a celebration party for volunteers and club members after the event has finished, as well as the opportunity to watch top-class professional tennis at close quarters.

Lead volunteer Carol Cherry said: “Our volunteer programme was a huge success in 2016, and we’re hoping that we can get even more of the community involved for 2017.

“All that’s needed is a passion for tennis and some free time in June.

“This is a really unique opportunity to be at the heart of the Aegon Ilkley Trophy, and we look forward to seeing lots of new faces.”

The tournament takes place from June 17-25, and anyone interested in helping out should contact Carol at [email protected].

Tournament director Charlie Maunder added: “The Aegon Ilkley Trophy is a fantastic, world-class event which pulls in great crowds every year.

“This wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of the outstanding volunteers who kindly offer their time and make the tournament the most welcoming and friendly on the tour.

“We know that the competition will be bigger than ever this year, and we look forward to sharing it with the community.”