All-glass court to showcase event and Under-11s added this year
By DONNA HELMER
The University of Nottingham, in partnership with Nottingham City Council has won the right to host the Dunlop British Junior Squash Championships for the next three years.
Now in its 45th year, the England Squash platinum event, which attracts more than 320 of Britain’s finest juniors, will be staged at the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Squash Rackets Club from 2018 until 2020. This year’s dates are October 26-28.
Nottingham last hosted the event in 2007 when Joe Lee and Victoria Bell claimed the iconic Under-19s titles.
England Squash CEO, Keir Worth, said: “The University of Nottingham and Nottingham Squash Rackets Club have a great track record in delivering major sporting events, and coupled with the city’s vibrant atmosphere will help ensure a successful tournament. We look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver a great event.”
The University of Nottingham Director of Sport, Dan Tilley, said: “As one of the leading university squash programmes in the country, it is a privilege to be chosen as a host of the Dunlop British Junior Championships.
“Thanks to investment in the David Ross Sports Village, we have created a fantastic arena to watch live squash on our all-glass show court and we are excited to welcome players and spectators from across the UK to the University of Nottingham.”
Richard O’Connor, Chairman of Nottingham Squash Rackets Club (right) added: “As a club, we are very proud to host the Dunlop British Junior Championships. It is in line with our efforts to raise the profile of the club and become a flagship squash club in the UK once again.
“This year, Nottingham reached the Premier Squash League semi-finals, helping us capitalise on our ongoing success and growth as a club and strengthen our relationship with the university.”
England Squash National Coach, David Campion, said: “Nottingham is historically a hotbed of squash, having produced many world-class players over the years, including former World No.2 Peter Marshall.
“In our continual efforts to get more youngsters playing competitively, we’re thrilled to add an Under-11s category for the first time in the championship’s history.
“The University of Nottingham’s all-glass show court will provide a great setting for the final and we’re looking forward to seeing who comes out on top.”
Entries are now open for any juniors wishing to compete in the 2018 Championships at https://www.englandsquash.com/events/british-junior-championships-2018/316
Article by DONNA HELMER (England Squash Communications Manager). Edited by ALAN THATCHER
Picture courtesy of England Squash