England Squash join forces with Off The Wall Squash to launch junior progress awards
England stars Laura Massaro and Daryl Selby want the next generation of junior squash players to learn the game “just like they did”.
Off The Wall Squash, a recognised leader in innovative squash programmes and products, today announced an exciting partnership with England Squash & Racketball that will deliver significant benefits to junior squash players across the country.
Available immediately, the Off The Wall Squash Junior Progress Awards – endorsed by ESR and backed by some of the world’s top players – is now a jointly branded and promoted junior squash development tool being made available free of charge to download for all clubs, coaches and schools across England.
The programme provides a skills-based awards package to help enhance junior squash activities. Young players will able to work their way through a series of challenges and disciplines in order to collect certificate awards and various coloured wristbands to record their progress.
The programme has already been adopted by several coaches around the country and is a nod to a similar scheme that inspired many of today’s top international players when they were juniors.
England’s top female player and former world champion, Laura Massaro, admitted that she used to follow a similar scheme when she was a junior player.
“I genuinely did really enjoy the junior skills programme when I was younger. I remember doing the exercises over and over, but it didn’t count until my coach at the time saw me do it,” she said.
“I was so nervous before and happy when I did it. It’s great that kids will get a chance to achieve the certificates and wristbands again.”
Daryl Selby (pictured above with son Noah), the 2011 British national champion, revealed that he still has his progress certificates from when he was a child.
“They were a huge part of my development and I used to love adding a new one to my collection. They help to improve your game and definitely add a layer of competitiveness,” he said.
Matt McFahn, Director of Coaching and Operations at Off The Wall Squash, commented: “The partnership with England Squash & Racketball is really exciting for junior development in England.
“Both organisations want to provide new and exciting ways to increase participation, and collaborating on the Junior Progress Awards provides an excellent opportunity to deliver a great tool and ensure maximum exposure to the squash community.”
Mark Williams, Director of Participation at ESR, was equally enthusiastic. “Off The Wall Squash have used their extensive expertise in the sport to create a really attractive programme that will be extremely beneficial for coaches and clubs around the country,” he said.
“Most importantly, I think young players will really enjoy working their way through the awards, either for their own satisfaction or to challenge their friends.
“ESR are delighted to be working with Off The Wall Squash and look forward to helping to raise awareness of this excellent new programme.”
The jointly branded resources are being exclusively managed by Off The Wall Squash and can be obtained from their website, www.offthewallsquash.co.uk/progress-awards