The agreement was signed at the National Badminton Centre by Ian Little, the managing director of Yehlex UK, and Darren Parks, Badminton England's Head of Competitions and Events.

The major event in the new agreement is the annual Yehlex Birmingham Badminton Bonanza, which will be held this year on the weekend of August 8-9.

 

For two days grass-roots badminton players of all ages and all standards will converge on Birmingham's National Indoor Arena - home of the All England Open Championships, the world's No. 1 tournament - to learn how to improve their game or simply to try their hand at badminton for the first time.

Badminton England and Yehlex coaches will be on hand throughout the weekend to offer top-class instruction in the biggest event for grass-roots players in the country.

The sponsorship also extends to the Yehlex Bonanza Franchises, which enable centres around the country to run their own Bonanza for grass-root players.

But another cornerstone of the new agreement is the continued sponsorship of the Yehlex Veterans' Inter-County Championships for a 20th consecutive year, making it one of the longest running domestic sponsorships in UK badminton.

The Gateshead-based company will also continue to sponsor the Yehlex National Veterans Championships, which this year will be at the National Badminton Centre in Milton Keynes from December 5-7.

Parks said: "We are delighted to agree a new deal with Yehlex UK.

 

"Ian Little has been a tremendous supporter of grass-roots badminton over the years, not just in his native Durham but throughout the country.

"The fact that this year will mark the 20th Yehlex Veterans' Inter-County Championships illustrates his special commitment to Veterans badminton and reflects how our sport is not just for youngsters and Elite competitors but for badminton players of all ages."

Little said: "My company is delighted to be able to continue our support of domestic badminton, especially in this difficult economic climate.

"For me the Bonanzas are an excellent way of promoting grass-roots badminton.

 

"Clubs in many areas are suffering a decline in membership, but the Bonanza concept can help to attract new members by making players realise that both playing the game and the competitive element can be fun.

"The atmosphere at Birmingham's National Indoor Arena is very special.

 

"That is why players come back year after year.

 

"It's a great weekend and I'm already looking forward to it - even though it's my birthday that weekend and I will be working instead of celebrating."