AFTER a successful inaugural staging, the Aegon Ilkley Trophy could have increased prize-money next season.

Former Lawn Tennis Association chief executive John Crowther said yesterday: "The ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals), who run the men's game, will sit down at the US Open and decide on their calendar for next year.

"And it is at that meeting that they might decide to increase the prize-money at Ilkley on the men's side – I don't know abut the women's side – as Ross Hutchins (ATP player relations director) was very impressed with Ilkley when he came to visit during the tournament.

"If it is increased, I am not talking about it becoming a Grand Prix-level event or anything like that, but upping the prize-money would make it more attractive to players.

"Also players talk to each other at tournaments and hopefully word will get around about what a friendly and well organised event Ilkley was, which can also boost entries.

Crowther, who is also chairman of the Yorkshire Lawn Tennis Association, said of the Trophy, which was played as a pre-Wimbledon tournament last month: "For a first attempt, it was an outstanding success and Ilkley Lawn Tennis & Squash Club did incredibly well.

"There will be a few things that they can improve on but from the LTA president (Cathie Sabin) downwards there was praise for what Ilkley have done.

"It was a great tournament, and the Yorkshire LTA want to build on that next year.

"We as an organisation were really pleased with the Outreach Programme (coaching local youngsters who can then come down to the tournament and watch it for free) and want that to expand to other Yorkshire clubs to make it more of a regional success next year.

"The tournament was also part of the Great British Tennis Weekend, with local clubs offer people the chance to play tennis free of charge and, if they wish, they can then be enrolled as members, and it is this time of year that youngsters can be inspired by the tennis that they see on the television."

Ilkley LTC chairman Richard Bourdon added: "The feedback that we have had from both referees (ATP Challenger supervisor Ed Hardisty and ITF Women's Pro Circuit supervisor Dr Sultan Gangji) has been positive, and the entry for the Investec Ilkley Open from July 25 to August 1 is up on what is was at the same stage last year, while junior membership has also increased."