Like every good plan, the Trans-Atlantic Masters Squash Series (TAMS), which is being held for the first time in NYC this weekend, was hatched in a club bar over drinks.
Talks first began last June at the British Open Masters Squash Championships in June 2023. Nine months later, players from England, Ireland, USA and Canada will convene over two days at the iconic Harmonie Club and The Harvard Club in New York City to thrash out the first title.
The organising panel consisted of Paul Boyle (England), Steve Wren (Canada), Richard Chin and John Musto (USA) and Dara O’Flynn and Nick Staunton (Ireland), where they held a series of conference calls to conceive a men’s over 50s international series.
“From our first discussion on the concept of an international test series, there was a huge amount of enthusiasm to give international masters squash something new and exciting,” says Boyle.
“Our biggest issue was agreeing on a date in an already congested international masters squash calendar on both sides of the Atlantic.”
It grew even before this week’s inaugural tournament, expanding to include women’s over 50s and men’s over 60s categories and the four countries engaged their respective top masters players for national selection and participation.
Each nation will compete with a mixed men and women’s squad of 13, with the aim of becoming the first TAMS champion in their age category.
“Squash Canada and the thriving Canadian Masters squash community are excited about the formation of this inaugural international event. For the first time, Canadian Masters players will be officially representing their country in New York with the prospect for future honours to continue as the event marks its place in the calendar,” says Steve Wren, past President, Squash Canada.
The series will follow the same format as the British and Irish home international series with each nation playing each other over three matches on Friday and Saturday, followed by a formal dinner.
USA founding organisers, John Musto and his compatriot Richard Chin, are relishing the two-day duels. “We can’t wait to host the inaugural event and establish new friendships and rivalries.” Musto’s sentiment is echoed by Chin, who observed: “We’ve had overwhelming interest from US masters players which will allow us to pick a strong side to compete for the trophies.
Both Musto and Chin have won multiple US Squash Masters championships in various age groups.
Jennifer Dillon, captain of the Irish over 50s women’s tea, enthused:: “What a fantastic opportunity for Irish Squash masters players to participate in this inaugural Trans-Atlantic event. We are very grateful to US Squash Masters for hosting us in New York City in what will be perfect preparation for St Patrick’s Day on March 17!”
The organising founders have already turned their minds to future events where hosting will be shared amongst the participating countries, with the prospect of adding other interested countries and more age categories.