Barclays is to become the official banking partner of tennis’ favourite championship, Wimbledon.
The banking giant has signed the dotted line for the deal with The All England Lawn Tennis Club and will also make an annual contribution to its charity, the Wimbledon Foundation – the biggest donation ever made by an official partner.
This partnership once again unites two iconic British institutions. The first Barclays bank opened 330 years ago and, as the world’s oldest tennis tournament, Wimbledon was first staged in 1877.
The pair teamed up previously in the 1960s when a sub-branch was built under Centre Court.
Frances Tiafoe
And to help the process along, Barclays has enlisted the help of a tennis player who is no stranger to the SW19 courts.
Tom Corbett, Group Head of Sponsorship and Media at Barclays, says ‘We’re incredibly honoured and excited to be working in partnership with one the world’s most prestigious sporting events and to announce that we’ve signed Frances Tiafoe as our tennis ambassador.
“Our joint commitment to create legacy, through Barclays community programmes and the Wimbledon Foundation, means through this partnership we can deliver lasting impact and continue to create opportunities through Sport.”
Changing lives
Frances said: “I’m thrilled to be working with Barclays to help change the lives of young people who typically wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience the game of tennis.”
“Growing up, playing at Wimbledon was my dream, so to be an Ambassador for Barclays, the new banking partner for Wimbledon, is very special.”
Sally Bolton, chief executive of The All England Lawn Tennis Club, welcomed the “commitment to creating access to sport for all”.
