Duncalf and Willstrop step down from PSA Board
By SEAN REUTHE – Squash Mad Correspondent
IntroEngland’s World No.8 Sarah-Jane Perry has been confirmed as the Professional Squash Association’s (PSA) Women’s President at the association’s annual AGM held today, December 9, in Leeds, England.
The 29-year-old Perry, a Commonwealth Games silver medallist, replaces departing Women’s President Jenny Duncalf, who became the first person to hold that position when the PSA and Women’s Squash Association (WSA) merged in 2015.
Meanwhile, her compatriot and former World No.1 James Willstrop will step down from the PSA Board of Directors after eight years of service, six of which saw him hold the position of PSA Men’s President before current World No.1 Ali Farag took over the role in 2017.
Perry joins Chairman Ziad Al-Turki as well as Farag, John Nimick, Pablo Serna, Claudia Schürmann, Michael Puertas and Daryl Selby on the PSA Board of Directors.
“We are pleased to welcome Sarah-Jane onto our Board of Directors and I am sure she will make the role of PSA Women’s President her own,” said PSA Chairman Ziad Al-Turki.
“Sarah-Jane has been an influential part of the women’s membership and we feel that the knowledge and ideas that she will bring to the role, alongside the existing Board of Directors, will help drive the sport forward and assist us as an organisation in achieving our vision for professional squash.
“I would also like to take the time to thank Jenny and James for their service over the years. They have played an integral role in the growth of the sport and have both served with distinction. We wish them the best of luck for their future endeavours.”
Perry said: “It’s a huge honour to be named Women’s President. As the tour grows, so does the membership, and as a members’ association it’s vitally important that the interests of all members are properly represented. Quite a few players spoke to me to encourage me to put myself forward for the position which gives me confidence coming into the role.
“I hope to represent the views and interests of all players and improve things that really matter for the players such as financial security, mental health, personal welfare and development. I will particularly be looking to represent the views of the female membership and the continued push for equality at all levels, with PSA having already made great strides in the right direction.
“I would like to thank Jenny for her dedication and leadership as President but also on a personal level for guiding me through my early years on tour and playing for England.”
PSA Board of Directors:
Chairman: Ziad Al-Turki
Men’s President: Ali Farag
Women’s President: Sarah-Jane Perry
Board Members: John Nimick, Pablo Serna, Claudia Schürmann, Michael Puertas, Daryl Selby
Report by SEAN REUTHE (PSA). Edited by ALAN THATCHER.
Picture courtesy of PSA