Tennis fans get up close with the Davis Cup

VIDEO: TENNIS fans were given a once in lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with the Davis Cup when it officially arrived at Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Complex in Warington, as part of a national tour.

Local school children and adults alike were given the chance to take a photograph with the historic trophy as well as trying their hand at some on court activities including touch tennis, cardio tennis and free play.

The silverware was at the LiveWire centre for one day only with Birchwood selected as the only venue in Cheshire and one of only two venues in the region to receive an exclusive visit from the silverware.

The whirlwind tour of the UK has been organised by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) following Great Britain’s historic win against Belgium in the 2015 Davis Cup final, when Team GB hoisted the trophy for the first time in 79 years.

The LTA wanted to celebrate the occasion by taking the trophy across the country to inspire a new generation to pick up a racquet and get involved in tennis. The Davis Cup will visit more than 50 destinations as part of its tour which runs until October.

As part of the Davis Cup legacy, LiveWire also received its share of 10,000 free racquets that have been offered to local venues by the LTA to encourage an increase in junior participation.
Emma Hutchinson, managing director of LiveWire, said: “We are thrilled to be a part of this very special Davis Cup trophy tour. To allow the local community to share the successes of the GB team has already driven an increased passion and enthusiasm for tennis in the area.”

Leon Smith, Davis Cup captain, said; “Winning the Davis Cup was an incredible moment for me and all the team. Lifting the trophy on the court in Ghent was an amazing feeling and I’m eager to ensure a lasting legacy following this historic achievement.

“Taking the trophy across the country and being able to share this momentous achievement with the nation is an important part of this legacy and sharing a bit of that passion we had on court will hopefully encourage others to get involved and choose tennis as part of their everyday lives.”