TWO local tennis athletes, coached at the Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club have signed commitments to play for universities in America this Fall.

Thomas Horsley, of Addingham, committed to Adelphi University, on Long Island, New York, accepting a four-year athletic scholarship.

JB Pickard, whose father, Simon Ickringill, is Head Coach at the Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club, committed to Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Thomas and JB have been active members of the performance team at the club for well over ten years.

"The boys were back on the courts the first day reopened and have been hard at work since.

"I am so proud of how far they've come and to see them continue to be rewarded for their excellent performance. They will represent England and Ilkley well abroad," noted ILTSC Head of Tennis Kyle Brassington.

"Their success fuels the drive for the up and comers, like Isaac, who has reached Number One ranking for England's Under 11s," Kyle added.

Isaac Sallu, of Burley-in-Wharfedale, also an ILTSC player, has reached the top of the national rankings for his age-group.

The Club's doors have been open since March 29, with outdoor tennis allowed on that day. This past week indoor coaching and household squash and tennis play is allowed. The management team noted that they hope to have everything back open as of May 17, which would be in time for the community to support their local champions in the 2021 Club Championships held this summer.