David Campion, England Squash’s long-serving national coach, will step down from his role after 23 years following a period of sustained success in the global game.
Thursday’s announcement came somewhat as a shock, but Campion has cited family commitments for his reason to leave the national governing body ahead of the sport’s first Olympic cycle.
Campion joined the England coaching team in 2000, securing 25 medals across four Commonwealth Games (six golds), five World Team titles and 42 European Team victories at both junior and senior level.
Campion said: “I feel very privileged and honoured to have been the national coach of England, a nation with such a rich history in our sport.
“The primary reason for stepping down is that I now want to spend more time with my family, particularly as we have two young children.
“There are so many amazing memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Chris Robertson, Head of Performance Operations, said that of the many successes, three stood out: Campion leading England’s senior women to World Team gold in 2014; his work with his brother James Willstrop to capture Commonwealth gold in 2018 and masterminding England’s successful 2022 Commonwealth Games campaign.
He added: “Camps holds the unofficial title of the nicest international coach around, but officially he is renowned for developing players and a performance culture that has always kept the very highest standards for England Squash on and off the court.”
CEO Mark Williams added: “As well as being a fantastic and hugely respected coach, David has had a very positive influence across both the organisation and the wider squash community. It is hard to imagine England Squash without him.
“A new chapter in English squash history will now begin, with David having left a great foundation for the next National Coach to build upon. This is an incredibly exciting time for squash as we build towards our first Olympic Games.”
Campion will leave his role in March 1, with England Squash on the hunt for a new coach.
It will be fascinating to see who emerges to take over after Campion’s two decades, be it a fresh face outside of England Squash circles or a former male or female player.