Top tennis trophy to go on show in town

ONE of the most famous trophies in international tennis is to put in an appearance at Warrington next month.
The Davis Cup – currently held by Great Britain – will be on show at Birchwood Tennis and Leisure Centre on Friday, April 22 when it passes through the town as part of a whirlwind tour of the UK.
The centre, which is run by Warrington neighbourhood wellbeing company, LiveWire, is the only
venue in Cheshire and one of only two venues in the North West to receive a visit from the silverware.
The national legacy tour, which is being co-ordinated by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), follows an historic victory for the British men who became the first British side to win the
Davis Cup in 79 years with a victory over Belgium back in November.
The tour is a “thank you” gesture to the tennis community including players, coaches, venues and volunteers who supported the team.
They also wanted to inspire a new generation to pick up a racket and get involved in tennis.
As well as having the chance to take a photograph with the historic trophy, Warrington schools and residents will also be able to try their hand at some on court activities including touch tennis, cardio tennis and free play.
As part of the Davis Cup legacy, Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Complex will receive a share of 10,000 free rackets 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 delighted to be the only venue in the county who will receive a visit from the iconic Davis Cup. LiveWire is proud to be working with the LTA to support the Davis Cup legacy by providing a number of free tennis sessions during the visit so school children and residents can try their hand at tennis.”
LTA chief executive Michael Downey added: “The Davis Cup win is one many will remember for the rest of their lives and is a key vehicle that
can drive interest in our sport. The LTA is proud to be able to share this incredible achievement with the British people and those who loyally supported and backed the team. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to inspire and captivate a nation and we want to use this Trophy Tour to
bring more children and adults into our great sport and thank the tennis community for believing we could do it.”
The general public can view the trophy from 12noon-1pm and from 5pm-7.30pm via free pre-bookable slots. For more information about how to book a slot, call Birchwood Leisure and Tennis Complex on 01925 458130.