Professional Squash Invitation Tournament

INTRODUCTION The Cleethorpes Cricket Club Professional Squash Tournament was founded in 1997 after a visit to Queens Squash Club in Halifax to watch a National Super League fixture. We knew there was a demand locally to watch top squash so the wheels were put in motion. Novartis agreed to be the main sponsor, although this in itself was not enough. We managed to raise enough prize money with adverts being placed in the tournament program. Tickets were sold out for all three sessions and so the tournament was born.

CLEETHORPES CRICKET CLUB SQUASH We have three courts and a booming membership with a continuous request from new members. The thriving junior membership meets every Saturday morning with the aid of Jason Sutton our club coach. We have already produced a ranked junior player. Adam Auckland, is ranked in England’s Under 15 top ten at the age of just 14 along with others juniors that regularly play graded tournaments.

CLEETHORPES CRICKET CLUB SQUASH The courts are well used by all ages and standards. Advertising opportunities have been taken by local businesses on the courts, some of which are still available. All in all, Cleethorpes Cricket Club is a very friendly and sociable club with a great atmosphere.

TOURNAMENT FORMAT The play starts Friday night at 6pm with four first round matches. Four players will go through to the semi-finals which take place on Saturday morning. The final commences at 7pm Saturday evening, with an exhibition match to start the evening’s proceedings. There is a great atmosphere provided by the lighting and music introductions to each match.

TOURNAMENT PLAYERS All players are full time playing professionals with either a world or top 20 British ranking. Previously players have included: two World no. 4’s, one of whom went on to achieve a World no. 1 ranking after our tournament. Several World top 20 players, a British Open winner, a World Under-19, 3 British Under-19s, World and British Over-35s, an England No. 1 and a South African No. 1, a Zimbabwe No. 1, a Welsh No. 1 and a Ladies World No. 1. All of the players have been in the England Top 20. The players are always sociable and mix with the members and are happy to chat, give advice, sign autographs and have photographs taken

The players are complimented by top referees and markers in the world. The tournament is covered by local and national press and the full weekend results are covered by Squashsite website; www.squashsite.co.uk which attracts thousands of hits on a weekly basis. This year’s tournament is expected to be a sell out as previous years. The event is the top tournament on the East coast. Nowhere else locally can boast the quality players that grace our tournament, which is only possible with sponsorship.

THIS YEAR’S EVENT Unfortunately, due to a change in circumstances, Novartis Grimsby, who have been our main sponsor for the past 9 years, is unable to continue their sponsorship of the tournament. There is now an opportunity for us to consider new sponsors either as the main or part shared sponsor for our prestigious tournament, which is highly regarded throughout the squash circuit and players. This will the following…..

A word from Nick Taylor “ I have been coming to Cleethorpes Cricket Club for 12 years, being invited in 1995 by Mike and Kim Hallam for an Exhibition match. The club has a very unique feel about it, very welcoming, always looking after the players with good food and hospitality. The members are great to play in front out and are a very knowledgeable crowd, and always enjoy the crack! In 1997 the Cleethorpes Invitational Squash Event was launched by Mike and Kim who put an incredible amount of hard work and effort into delivering an event that the players really enjoy to play, without people like this squash would not the same!! The event has attracted some of the best players in the world including John White World No1 and James Wilstrop World Junior Champion and voted best Junior player of all time, along with most of the top 20 players in the world, I was privileged to win the first 3 titles and have not missed a chance to compete in this fantastic event since. I hope this year being the tenth year of the event Mike and Kim can secure financial support to deliver yet a must event for the domestic calendar, they really do deserve it, without this event squash would not be the same. ” Kind Regard Nick Taylor - Former world no 14 & England International.

A few words from James …. “ I have a long relationship with Mike and Kim Hallam who have supported me since being a junior which is one of the reasons why I am glad to support the Professional Cleethorpes Invitation Tournament. I've played the tournament for several years now, Cleethorpes Cricket Club has a great atmosphere created by the members who are a most enthusiastic crowd and always make me feel welcome. It's an enjoyable environment for us as players which makes it easy for us to play and entertain a very enthusiastic audience. The tournament also services as a kick start to the season which many of the players need, although playing 3 matches in 24 hours is pretty tiring! ” James Willstrop England No. 2 World No. 7

Sponsorship Deal Company name headlined as main sponsor Squashsite website coverage (over 14 million hits) Total advertising for the weekend at Cleethorpes Cricket Club Full coverage in the local press; Sports Telegraph and Evening Telegraph Result coverage in the national newspapers; The Times / Telegraph Complimentary tickets for all sessions If you or your company are interested in sponsoring the Cleethorpes Professional Invitation Tournament, please contact Mike Hallam on 07729079180, or home 01472 509243