Female Squash Stars Launch New Manchester Programme
From SCARLETT SMITH
England’s largest squash coaching programme goes from strength to strength after a boost from sports brand HEAD UK.
Two of England’s top female squash stars, British Open champion and Lancashire girl Laura Massaro and teammate Jenny Duncalf entertained local residents with a display of world-class squash to celebrate the new-look Manchester Squash Programme which has been sponsored by HEAD UK.
Manchester is home to the National Squash Centre which is just one of the venues that residents have benefited from alongside leisure centres such as Abraham Moss, Moss Side and Chorlton.
Over 40 schools have signed up to the Manchester schools competition whilst children across the city enjoy regular coaching both during their PE lessons and in after school clubs. Talented youngsters can also go onto represent the Manchester Academy where currently 28 girls and boys compete at a National and European level.
So far in 2013 the adults programme has also developed further with a new Manchester racketball league and six clubs now competing in county leagues.
The city also welcomes the PSA Men’s World Squash Championships in October which sees the state-of-the-art glass court built in Manchester Central and gives local people the opportunity to watch world-class athletes on their doorstep.
Manchester Head Coach, Chris Lengthorn commented: “It’s great that HEAD UK have come on-board and are willing to invest in our programme which continues to grow and develop. Manchester really can be classed as the home of squash and with the World Championships coming to town hopefully we can inspire many more people to take up squash and racketball.”
Andy Catchpole, Racketsport category manager at HEAD UK added: “HEAD UK are delighted to be announced as the new partner of the Manchester Squash Academy and feel excited about the prospect of working in the heart of the ‘Squash capital’ of Britain.
“HEAD are a brand dedicated to supporting all levels and abilities from grassroots to World Champion’s.
“Working with the academy provides us with an opportunity to help create a legacy within the city of Manchester by helping and encouraging as many people as possible to pick up a racket and try Squash. HEAD are proud of the work the academy has done over the years and feel they continue to lead the way in grassroots participation with great drive and determination. We share their passion for the sport and look forward to working with them in the future, supporting them in whatever way we can”.
