IT IS not only the prize-money that is increasing at this year's AEGON Ilkley Trophy.

The outreach programme, run by Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club's (ILTSC) coaching staff, is also expanding.

More than 50 schools from across Yorkshire will take part in taster sessions at the club during the pre-Wimbledon Challenger tournament, which is being held from June 17-25.

A total of 2,250 children will receive coaching during the event – an increase of 500 on last year – involving, for the first time, and due to popular demand, pupils from Year Seven and Eight.

Maybe a budding Andy Murray or Johanna Konta will emerge from the sessions, which involve giving youngsters the chance to pick up a racquet for the first time.

Adults won't be forgotten either, with at least 200 taking to the courts for an informal training session with the club's coaching team.

Jack Pullan, outreach co-ordinator for Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, said: “The AEGON Ilkley Trophy is a perfect opportunity for us to inspire thousands of kids, and we take the responsibility very seriously.

"Throughout the year we work closely with schools to encourage young people to try tennis, and the tournament shows them first hand and up close just what they could be aiming towards.

"Our biggest priority is getting kids interested in and to enjoy playing the sport, and we have some of the best facilities in the country to help us to do that.

"It’s a real pleasure to share them and support these future stars of the courts as much as we can.”

A series of open days in the three weeks prior to the tournament are further opportunities for the next generation of players to try their (back)hand at the sport as Ilkley's coaches head out to courts at, for example, Ilkley Lido, Cross Hills and Pool-in-Wharfedale.

A one-year sponsorship package has also been agreed with Yorkshire Tennis, the county association for the sport who are members of the Lawn Tennis Association.

John Crowther, Yorkshire Tennis chairman and former LTA chief executive, explained: “We are committed to ensuring that as many people as possible get the opportunity to try tennis across our region, and this partnership with ILTSC is crucial to that.”

Prize-money for the ATP Men's Challenger at Ilkley has been increased from $50,000 to $150,000 and for the ITF Women's Futures event, the prize fund has increased from $50,000 to $100,000.

Tickets are available for the AEGON Ilkley Trophy at www.lta.org.uk/major-events/aegon-trophy-series/aegon-ilkley-trophy/tickets/.

For more information on the open days and how to get involved visit www.lta.org.uk.