RACKET and equipment company Yehlex (UK) have renewed their sponsorship deal with BADMINTON England to back the annual Yehlex Birmingham Badminton Bonanza, the biggest grass-roots badminton tournament in the country.

It is the seventh Birmingham Bonanza sponsored by Yehlex and will take place at the National Indoor Arena on August 9-10.

The Bonanza gives club and social players of all ages the chance to play on the courts made famous by All England champions like Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms, the Olympic silver medallists who won the mixed doubles at the NIA in 2005 and were runners-up in 2006.

More than 600 players are expected to take part in the event, which is supported by Birmingham City Council, and during the weekend there will be almost non-stop action on 28 courts.

Yehlex (UK) managing director Ian Little said: "We are delighted to be sponsoring the country's No 1 Bonanza event once again. The six Yehlex Birmingham Bonanzas so far have been a huge success. It’s wonderful to see so many people of all ages taking part and I hope this August’s Bonanza will be just as popular..

"It isn't just about playing. There's also the chance to receive top-class coaching from BADMINTON England staff and to learn more about BADMINTON England itself from the Association's regional development officers.

"It has been a successful partnership between ourselves and BADMINTON England and long may it continue."

On top of the Yehlex Birmingham Bonanza, the Gateshead-based company are also continuing their programme of support for the Yehlex Franchise Bonanzas.

For the Franchise Bonanzas, Yehlex provide up to 15 dozen shuttlecocks free of charge plus trophies for winners and runners-up at events run by local authorities, clubs and leagues in partnership with BADMINTON England and Yehlex.

Over the last three years around 30 Yehlex Bonanzas a year have been staged under this franchise arrangement.

Darren Parks, BADMINTON England's Head of Competitions and Events, said: "The Bonanzas are invaluable in encouraging social and club players to compete against opposition from outside their usual circle. They have proved particularly popular with leisure centre players and we are grateful to Yehlex for continuing their support and sponsorship of the Bonanza concept."

The Bonanzas offer competition over all five events in three age categories.

There is an adult league and social play in all five events; there is a Veterans Over 40 and Over 50 social and league in men’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

For juniors there is Under 13, Under 15 and Under 17 social and tournament/league categories in all five events.

For entry details contact the events department at BADMINTON England on 01908 268400