ITF: Tennis Europe founds financial funds
The European continental association Tennis Europe has announced the launch of a new "President's Fund". A fund created to financially support the 50 national member associations. In addition, there will be further structural changes in 2020, which should better integrate European junior tennis with the ITF.
by Robert M. Frank
last edit: Nov 27, 2019, 09:44 pm
The new fund is a result of the implementation of Tennis Europe's 2018-2023 business strategy. The strategy is said to have led to a significant increase in sponsorship revenues under the umbrella of the ITF in its second year, according to the European Continental Association. Each of the 50 national European tennis federations should be able to apply for support from the fund, subject to certain basic criteria.
By establishing the fund, Tennis Europe aims to be independent of the ITF and to provide direct and quick additional assistance to member associations. "We recognize that many of our Member States, and especially the smaller ones, are constantly facing financial challenges that affect their performance and we want to support them in an efficient and simple way," said President Vladimir Dmitriev at the announcement.
Super category and free places at the ITF
The European Federation is licensed to over 400 junior tournaments and holds more than 70 team competitions across the continent. By 2020, the U14 tournaments will introduce a new "supercategory" with more ranking points to be won at the five new events.
In addition, future vacancies in ITF Junior Circuit U18 tournaments in Europe will be created for good players aged 15 and 16 based on their Tennis Europe ranking. A better integration between regional (Europe) and global (ITF) competitions should be established.