The Tees Valley Mayor and Combined Authority are helping bring a prestigious national tennis competition to the region this year.
The National Premier League for Tennis has announced the finals of its contest will take place in Tees Valley, following support from the Combined Authority and its dedicated destination marketing service, Enjoy Tees Valley.
And the news has been welcomed by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen as it is the latest high-profile event to come to the region, following announcements on BBC Radio One’s Big Weekend, the Great North CityGames and Rugby League World Cup 2021.
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.
More than 100 top tennis teams across Great Britain will battle it out to reach the finals, held for the first time at Tennis World, Middlesbrough, and David Lloyd Teesside, Stockton, and compete for over £19,000 in prize money.
The contest is a major coup for the area as it attracts international standard tennis players, some who will go onto play Wimbledon in summer. Past competitors have included tennis stars Pat Cash, Marcus Willis, Jamie Murray and Jonny Marray.
Mayor 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 CityGames 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 launch with a gala dinner at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm on Wednesday 24 April, attended by guest speakers Judy Murray OBE and former professional footballer and sports pundit John Hartson.
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.”
For more information, visit www.nationalpremierleaguetennis.com
