Rob Owen, the coach who has taken Paul Coll to global heights as well as taking on a stable of other top talents, has taken up a role as England Squash’s new Olympic Programme Consultant.
Owen will be tasked with advising the performance team in the design of an enhanced athlete programme to support England’s top players in maximising their potential ahead of the Los Angeles Olympic Games in 2028.
Renowned as one of the world’s finest coaches, the former world No.19 spent a number of years working with Jonah Barrington before managing one of England Squash’s high performances centres at his academy based at West Warwickshire Sports Club.
He masterminded Sarah-Jane Perry’s ascension to a career high of World No.5, and most recently, led Paul Coll to world no.1, two British Open titles and the Commonwealth Games gold medal in 2022.
Owen said: “It is a privilege and honour to have been asked to support England Squash in a consultancy role in the lead up to the Olympics in 2028 and to help shape their plans for a new Olympic programme. For squash to be in the Olympics is a dream come true for every player, coach and fan.
 “It’s exciting to have the opportunity to use the experience and knowledge I have gained over the last 40 years to help England maximise their potential and I will do all I can to give us a realistic chance of winning medals.
“As England Squash look to appoint a new National Coach, I would like to express my gratitude to David Campion and the great work he has done over the last 23 years.
“David has been an invaluable supporter of mine from the very beginning, and we have worked well together with a mutual exchange of ideas.”
David Campion, National Coach said: “Rob has a superb track record of making players better. He has a brilliant squash mind and one that can add tremendous value in supporting our players on this Olympic journey. Rob will join us in an advisory capacity where the performance team will have access to his unique insights and expertise. I’m very pleased that England Squash have recognised his experience with this official consultancy role.”
CEO Mark Williams added: “We are delighted to have Rob contributing to our plans to support and prepare our players for squash’s first Olympic Games. Rob has a fantastic track record of supporting players to reach the very top of the game, which is exactly where our players will aspire to be in 2028. It is a hugely significant and exciting time for England Squash and the sport, and we want to maximise every opportunity to ensure our players have everything they need to do well.
“With Rob’s new advisory role and a new National Coach due to be recruited, the next few months will be an exciting period for England Squash.”