Tauranga-based investment advisory firm Craigs Investment Partners have signed on as a major sponsor of next year's World Junior Squash Championships in Tauranga.

Craigs is the first big local sponsor for the July 19-29 event, which will feature 250 of the best under-19 players from more than 30 countries and will also incorporate the women's world junior team championships.

Craigs Investment Partners managing director Frank Aldridge says the event is a great fit for the company.

'We have a long history of supporting local and national events and promoting youth sports and we're proud to be involved in the World Junior Squash Championships.

'We're passionate about the people in our communities and it means a great deal to us to be involved in an event that will leave a legacy for both the city and the sport.”

The tournament has already attracted heavyweight support, with the Government contributing $110,000 through the Major Events Development Fund and Tauranga City Council another $60,000 through its Major Events Fund.

Organising committee chairman Wayne Werder says the Craigs Investment Partners announcement is a significant moment in the tournament timeline.

'One of our key drivers is to be financially secure and getting a significant sponsor on board this early in the piece is a huge boost to the whole organising committee.

'It gives us the confidence we'll be able to deliver a tournament of the highest standard to all our international visitors and a worldwide audience and hopefully this will be a catalyst for more businesses to engage with the event.

'We have received positive responses from a number of nations looking to bring their athletes down-under for the event as well as families and fans wanting to holiday here. At the recent World Squash AGM, delegates were impressed with the planning to date and the promotional video highlighting local and national attractions. It has certainly prompted many enquiries from abroad which is fantastic.”

The championships will be the first world sporting championships to be held in Tauranga, with a portable glass court and live-streaming to be used to showcase the city. Four venues will be utilised to host the 10-day tournament - the Devoy Squash & Fitness Centre in Tauranga and the Te Puke and Mount Maunganui squash clubs, as well as the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre.