Grass-roots club with world-class facilities
By Squash Mad Reporter
Leamington Squash Club threw one hell of a party to celebrate the opening of their new sixth squash court.
A full day of celebration was organised for members prior to the official court opening and a Squash exhibition involving some of the best players in the world.
A line-up more familiar with the final stages of a PSA world tournament included Mohamed Elshorbagy, James Willstrop, Cameron Pilley, Laura Massaro, Sarah-Jane Perry and Tesni Evans.
The exceptionally high standard of squash thrilled the Leamington crowd and created a fantastic atmosphere. Tesni Evans tweeted, “Fun evening in Leamington, such a great turnout…Enjoyed it!”
Funding of the court was raised through Sport England Inspired Facility and England Squash grants as well as club revenue from growing membership. Squash in Leamington Spa is more popular than ever with Leamington Squash membership growing from 325 to 500 over the past three years.
Much of Leamington’s success is down to Jason Pike, who was recognised in the 2016 Polar Workforce Awards as England Squash Club Coach of the Year.
Leamington Lawn Tennis and Squash Club is famous for being the oldest lawn tennis club in the world and for the first time since it opened in 1872, the club now has more squash members than tennis adult members. The new court will enable the club to meet this growing demand and deliver better squash programmes for members going forward.
Court 6 is a new glass back court located next to an existing glass back providing tiered viewing for up to 130 spectators over the two courts – a great new facility for junior programmes, coaching, team events, tournaments and exhibitions.
Leamington Squash Chairman Ming Lee said after the opening on September 10: “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved. We are now a grass-roots squash club with world-class squash facilities!
“We felt that the new court deserved a day of celebration and went all out to secure the best squash players based in the UK (and The Netherlands). The players were fantastic ambassadors for squash, mingling with members, putting on a fantastic exhibition and inspiring the juniors. The court and its opening will fuel the feel-good factor at the club for years to come.”
Pictures courtesy of Dan Purdue of Foxlight Digital.