The Organisers

The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy is organised by John Simpson Associates (JSA) and in particular:

Also working with JSA, on various projects described below, are:

In 1978, John Simpson joined International Management Group (IMG) - the largest sports marketing, entertainment and media company in the world for the past 30 years. As Senior Vice President, John managed elite sportsmen such as:

• Nick Faldo
• Bernhard Langer
• Greg Norman
• Vijay Singh
• Sebastian Coe

As well as client management and representation, John was integral in the creation, licensing and management of numerous global events in both sport and entertainment. These included the Dunhill Cup, the Nick Faldo Junior Series and the German Masters, which is still one of the most prestigious events on the PGA European Tour.

In 1997 John left IMG and founded John Simpson Associates (JSA) which specialises in:

• Creating and managing international events
• Licensing and brand development on
• Golf course development and design
• Client management
• Commercial consultancy

Creating and Managing International Events

Having worked closely with HRH The Duke of York, one of the events created by JSA is The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy. This event is a unique, international 54-hole stroke play golf tournament for boys and girls who are either the current holder of their under-18 National Championship or winner of another major golfing event in the preceding year.

JSA has organised the tournament since its inception in 2001 and overseen its growth from 11 competitors from 6 countries in 2001 to a field of 57 champions from 34 countries in 2009. Juniors from Canada, Japan, Israel and Thailand are recent additions and, with an impressive average handicap of +1 last year, the event is now regarded as one of the premier junior events worldwide.

The Duke of York Sports Foundation

The Sports Foundation aims to promote amateur sport for the benefit of young people and to raise funds to support The Duke of York Young Champions Trophy and also the Academic and Golf Scholarships.

Together with HRH The Duke of York, John co-founded The Duke of York Sports Foundation academic and golfing scholarship programme in 2007. Scholarships provide boys and girls aged between 13 and 18 with an opportunity to receive a high standard of education whilst at the same time focusing on their golfing development. There are currently four scholars benefitting from the Foundation’s support and attending Wellington College in Berkshire. The aim is to increase this number to between six and ten.

John is a member of both the Sports Foundation’s Advisory Board and Scholarship Advisory Council.

Licensing and Brand Development

JSA has long term agreements with Lord’s ("The Home of Cricket") and Royal Blackheath Golf Club.

JSA has the exclusive rights to represent Lord’s worldwide and support them in developing third party product licensing deals and relationships. Licensing arrangements have been announced with a number of companies including Thierry’s Wine Services who have produced a range of Lord’s branded Bordeaux and Burgundy wines.

Golf Course Development and Design

JSA continues to be involved with golf course design through John’s extensive experience with the creation of high quality courses including Portmarnock Links in Ireland, Sporting Berlin in Germany and Shadow Ridge in Palm Dessert, California. John was also involved with the creation of the Nick Faldo Golf Institute in Orlando, Florida.

It has recently been agreed that JSA will be the exclusive golf consultants to Cabo Sao Roque, a luxury residential and lifestyle resort near Natal, north-east Brazil (www.cabosaoroque.com).