Barclays is serving an ace at Wimbledon this summer
Barclays unveils plans for its first year as the Official Banking Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon
- Kicking off their new multi-year deal in 2023, Barclays has created three unforgettable on-site destinations for Wimbledon fans, with perks and exclusive experiences
- Fans can test their tennis skills against Barclays Tennis Ambassador and World No.10, Frances Tiafoe, through the ‘Take on Tiafoe’ simulator experience
- With the biggest donation ever made by an official partner to the Wimbledon Foundation, Barclays will support the expansion of youth leadership programme Set for Success from 15 to 150 schools in just four years
- Barclays unveils global TV advert starring Barclays Tennis Ambassador Frances Tiafoe’s remarkable rise to success made possible with support from his partners
With just two weeks until Wimbledon officially opens its gates on Monday 3 July, Barclays today unveils plans for their debut year as the Official Banking Partner of The Championships, Wimbledon. From creating unmissable experiences for fans to supporting young people in the community, the bank kicks off their multi-year deal with a jam-packed first event.
Barclays has created three destinations to bring unforgettable moments to Wimbledon and the experience starts before getting into the Grounds.
- Barclays Clubhouse in the Queue will sweeten up fans’ waiting experience with delightful moments, such as umpire greeters, dressing room pop ups and other fan surprises. Barclays customers will also be served free refreshing juices in the Deuce Bar, a collaboration with Unreasonable Impact company CLUBZERØ, whose award-winning reusable cups will be washed and re-distributed daily throughout the tournament1. Fans looking to test their tennis skills can also take on World No.10, Frances Tiafoe, in the simulator experience ‘Take on Tiafoe’, which gives fans the chance to return a serve from Frances’ actual winning games.
- Within the Grounds, the Barclays Fanzone will let fans get up close to greatness, with appearances and exclusive Q&As with tennis stars, as well as immersive photo opportunities.
- Barclays Clubhouse Parkside is the premier destination for fan experiences with prizes to be won – from tickets to merchandise and more. Here, all fans can also learn about the future of farming at 80 Acres Farms’ vertical strawberry installation, another Unreasonable Impact alumni, and recipient of investment from Barclays’ Sustainable Impact Capital1.
Barclays will have the perks rolling for their customers during the tournament, including free strawberries and cream throughout the Grounds, free refreshing juices in Barclays Clubhouse Deuce Bar, complimentary Wimbledon official programmes for the first 200 premier customers visiting a Barclays zone each day, and the chance to win prizes at Barclays Clubhouse Parkside2.
Frances Tiafoe was recently announced as Barclays’ tennis ambassador, alongside award-winning presenter, and broadcaster, Clare Balding. Frances will also be the subject of a global TV advert, created by Barclays that will tell the 25-year-old’s extraordinary story and the many partners who have helped him along the way. The short film brings to life his journey from a young child and son of Sierra Leonean immigrants in Hyattsville, Maryland learning to play tennis at the JTCC in suburban Washington, D.C., to where he is today – a Grand Slam semi-finalist and Top 10 player.
Frances Tiafoe says: “Wimbledon is everything. Growing up when I was a kid hitting a ball against the wall and dreaming, I was always imagining playing at Wimbledon. I hope by doing what I love and (hopefully) continuing to have good results that I can inspire kids that look like me, that are growing up in challenging situations, to take up sports, to take up tennis.”
Barclays’ close partnership with Wimbledon goes well beyond the event. With community at the heart of the partnership, Barclays supports the Wimbledon Foundation, the official charity of the All England Club and The Championships, with an annual donation that is the biggest ever made by an official partner.
This will support, in part, the Wimbledon Foundation’s Set for Success programme, a two-year youth leadership programme delivered by Youth Sport Trust. Set for Success is designed to provide young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the UK with the opportunity to develop life and leadership skills through mentoring sessions delivered by inspirational athletes.
Through Barclays’ contribution, Set for Success will expand from 15 schools in four regions to 150 schools in 30 regions within just four years, benefitting up to 3,900 pupils across the UK.
Barclays will also be supporting the Wimbledon Foundation’s famous ticket resale programme which, since its inception in 1954, has raised more than £4m for charity. Proceeds from the resale of used tickets are distributed via the Wimbledon Foundation’s grant programmes to charities and community organisations3.
Tom Corbett, Group Head of Sponsorship and Media at Barclays, says “We’re incredibly excited to be bringing our partnership with Wimbledon to life for the first time for tennis fans to enjoy. Our joint commitment to create opportunities through programmes such as Set for Success means our partnership can deliver a deep and long-lasting impact for young people across the country.”
To find out more, visit: home.barclays/Wimbledon
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
1Barclays is supporting social and environmental impact companies through its Unreasonable Impact partnership. By providing connections, resources and expertise, the bank is helping a new generation of entrepreneurs to grow
2To redeem free strawberries and cream at Wimbledon, Barclays customers simply access the QR code from the Rewards Hub in the Barclays app* from 3 July or visit Barclays Clubhouse Parkside once you arrive on-site. *You need to be 18 or over to access this product or service using the app. You can only redeem your voucher on the day you attend. T&Cs apply. Wimbledon official programmes are limited to first 200 Premier customers per day.
3Proceeds net of VAT
About Barclays
Barclays is a British universal bank. We are diversified by business, by different types of customer and client, and geography. Our businesses include consumer banking and payments operations around the world, as well as a top-tier, full service, global corporate and investment bank, all of which are supported by our service company which provides technology, operations and functional services across the Barclays Group. For further information about Barclays, please visit our website home.barclays.
About Wimbledon
The Championships, Wimbledon, is the oldest of the four tennis Grand Slams and the only one played on grass. Managed by The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) and staged on the AELTC Grounds, Wimbledon has evolved from its origins as a private members’ croquet club in 1868, to one of the world’s biggest annual sporting events and one of the most well-respected brands in sport.
Visit www.wimbledon.com and follow us @wimbledon on all major social media platforms.
About the Wimbledon Foundation
The Wimbledon Foundation is the official charity of The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and The Championships. Its mission is to champion opportunity for all using the collective strength of Wimbledon to make a positive difference to people’s lives. The Wimbledon Foundation is guided by four goals: strengthening the local community, promoting healthy and active lives, inspiring the next generation, and responding in times of need. The Wimbledon Foundation is a registered charity (1156996) and a company limited by guarantee (8559364). Visit www.wimbledon.com/foundation and @WimbledonFdn to find out more.
About Frances Tiafoe
Frances Tiafoe nicknamed (Big Foe), is an American tennis player whose unlikely rise makes him a player like no other in his era. Frances was born in Hyattsville, Maryland and is the son of Sierra Leonean immigrants. He was raised at the Junior Tennis Champions Center (JTCC) in Maryland where his father worked as the head of maintenance. After a long day on the job, his father spent his nights in a back room at the complex, with Frances and his twin brother, Franklin. Eventually, a six-year-old Frances was seen by coaches pounding tennis balls with growing ferocity against the facility’s hitting wall every morning and night and was soon admitted to the Center.
Frances is now ranked #10 in the world (ranking correct as at Monday 19 June). He has embraced his position both as one of the few African American players on tour and as a role model to the next generation of young tennis players.
About the Youth Sport Trust:
The Youth Sport Trust is a UK leading children’s charity for improving young people's wellbeing through sport and play. It empowers young people and equips educators to transform lives. Founded in 1995, it works with around 20,000 schools and inspires Changemakers to build a sense of belonging. Its vision is to create a future where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of play and sport. Visit the Youth Sport Trust website for ideas, tips and information www.youthsporttrust.org