The IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge

The IC U16 Junior Challenge began in 2005 with the goal of offering a new international competition opportunity to young players and helping to introduce them to the ethos of the International Club. In 2018, we were honoured that tennis icon and longstanding IC member, Rod Laver, agreed to endorse the event by adding his name to its title - and it has since been known as "The IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge".

The competition, which is the only IC event for juniors, aims to provide an opportunity for promising young players to begin a relationship with their respective ICs, travel abroad to compete, and learn about new cultures in the true spirit of the IC. Alongside the tennis, players engage in a full and rewarding itinerary of off-court activities, often including cultural sightseeing and tennis clinics for children from underprivileged backgrounds. The players often comment on how much they enjoy getting to socialise with other players and participate in experiences they wouldn’t get at other tennis competitions – in a way that embodies the IC motto: "Hands across the net, friendship across the ocean."

The event is open to all ICs around the world (over 40 countries) and runs on a two-year cycle of regional qualifiers and a Worldwide Finals. A regional qualifiers is played in each of five regions, with the winner progressing to the Worldwide Finals the following year, along with a team from the host country. The event is very fortunate to have had the Worldwide Finals played at some of the world’s most iconic tennis venues, including the Monte Carlo Country Club and All England Lawn Tennis Club.

Each team is comprised of two U16 girls and two U16 boys, who compete in two singles matches and two doubles matches against each country. If the scores are 3 matches apiece, a deciding mixed doubles super tiebreak is then played to decide the result.

We are very grateful to the sponsors who have enabled the continuation of this wonderful event: Compass Group who supported the first twelve years of the event, and now Palantir and individual donors who have since enabled the event to continue to such a high standard.

For more information on The IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge, please contact Emily Arbuthnott at the IC Council.

You can also view some videos from our Instagram channel below:

Junior Results & News

First2345791011

Upcoming Junior Events

December 2018
The Tennis Ball

The Tennis Ball

On Saturday 10th November 2018 over 500 guests descended upon the London Hilton Park Lane, to help raise money for two of Britain’s leading tennis charities; Give It Your Max (GIYM) and the IC Philanthropic Programme (ICP).  

The ball was compered by leading Sky Sports presenter Marcus Buckland, with a key note speech by Sir Trevor Mcdonald, who is Patron of both charities.   Leading British comedian Dominic Holland entertained the guests and speed painter Dave Sharp painted two spectacular portraits of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic which were auctioned that evening and will be signed by both players.

 

Money was raised through a raffle, donations and auction items.  The live auction was a great success, skilfully directed by the entertaining and highly regarded auctioneer Charlie Ross.  

Tim Henman and Speaker of the House of Commons John Bercow MP were amongst the many personalities present.  Guests danced into the early hours to The All Time All-Stars, 10 piece band. 

Tim Henman, former British Tennis No.1 and GIYM Patron said:
“The Tennis Ball is a wonderful event for two fantastic charities. I’ve worked closely with Give It Your Max and the work they do is really helping to enhance the life of so many children. The money raised from this year’s Tennis Ball will help them to grow their programme to even more areas across the UK.”

Honorary President of The Tennis Ball John Beddington said:

“The fifth Tennis Ball was the most successful we have held yet, raising much needed funds for GIYM and IC Philanthropy – much more than we could have ever expected. This money will go to these two very worthwhile charitable tennis initiatives, giving many children all over the world the opportunity to play tennis.”

The Tennis Ball was supported by Linklaters, Zoo Communications, Maui Jim and City AM.

For more information and to view the video from the night visit http://www.thetennisball.co.uk

Pictures from the night can be seen in the gallery below and by Clicking here


Links & Downloads