A prestigious national tennis competition has chosen Tees Valley as the host for this year’s event.
The National Premier League for Tennis has announced the finals will take place for the first time at Tennis World, Middlesbrough and David Lloyd Teesside, Stockton.
The competition, which takes place from Thursday 25 – Sunday 28 April, will see 16 men’s and eight women’s teams qualify for the finals from regional leagues across the UK. Over 100 top tennis teams across GB will battle it out throughout the tournament to reach the finals and compete for over £19,000 in prize money.
The competition is a real scoop for the area as it attracts international standard tennis players, some who will go onto play Wimbledon in the summer. Past competitors have included tennis stars Pat Cash, Marcus Willis, Jamie Murray and Jonny Marray.
Speaking about the announcement, Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I’m chuffed that we are bringing yet another top-class sporting event to the Tees Valley.
“The National Premier League is an excellent opportunity to showcase what the region has to offer, and I am pleased to be able to make the investment to help bring another significant sporting event to the area.
“With the Great North City Games and the Rugby League World Cup set to come to the region, it’s fantastic that the people of the Tees Valley will be able to enjoy world-class sport right on their doorstep.”
The competition will officially launch with a gala dinner at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm on Wednesday 24 April. This notable event in the tennis sporting calendar will be attended by Judy Murray, OBE and former professional footballer and sports pundit John Hartson who will both be guest speakers.
Keith Carder, Head of Competition for the Lawn Tennis Association said “We are delighted to support the National Premier League and look forward to this year’s finals. It’s a great opportunity to see an exciting team tennis format with many current and future international tennis stars.”
Councillor Lewis Young, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive member with responsibility for sport development, said: “We’re delighted to welcome such a prestigious event to Middlesbrough, and I’m sure there’ll be a great turn-out.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for tennis fans to see some of the world’s best players, and we could see some stars of the future inspired to pick up a racket.”
The event has been supported by Tees Valley Combined Authority and its destination marketing service Enjoy Tees Valley. In partnership with Middlesbrough Council and Tennis World, the event will also give local school children the opportunity to participate in tennis coaching and allow them to spectate for free during selected times over the tournament.
Russ Teasdale, owner of Beaumont Accountancy is proud to be the headline commercial sponsor of the National Premier Tennis Finals.
To purchase tickets for the National Premier League for Tennis Finals between 25 – 28 April 2019, or the launch event dinner on Wednesday 24 April 2019, please visit www.nationalpremierleaguetennis.com