Western Squash Youth Section

The future of squash has been in doubt for over 15 years. Numbers have been declining, team numbers less each year and the average age of players rising. Squash has often been seen as a game that players take up later in life with only a small number considering our great game in their younger years. Three clubs in the West of Scotland have in the past launched youth sections to great effect. These being Newlands, Strathgryffe and Giffnock. This is now starting to pay dividends with good quality squash being played and an improving team scene in the these clubs. I have always felt that although the Western is a great club what was missing was a youth policy and accordingly with the help of Kevin Lawlor, Brian Dunn, Allan Mowat and Martin Woods we are now in a position to launch one. Some may have mixed feelings about this development. Threats to team places and increased court utilisation concerns perhaps being primary. My own view is that competition for team places is a part of life and can be a positive if viewed as a motivator to improve fitness. The courts will only be booked for the youth coaching at off-peak times on an going basis and un-used courts will be released back where it is known that they are not needed. The intention is that we will offer three session on two afternoons each week, scheduled at traditionally quiet times. On Mondays between 4.15pm and 5pm and on Wednesdays on the 4.15pm court (age 8-11) and the 5pm court (age over 11). Analysis of past court usage shows the 4.15pm court on Mondays was used only twice in the two peak month of March and April 2014 and another court will still be available. And the Wednesday courts were not used at all in the same period. We will have to do some marketing and this is planned. It includes some taster sessions as a one off and this will require courts to be booked. The taster sessions will be on Saturday 4th October between 3.45pm and 6pm (all courts - as a one off), Monday 6th October and on Wednesday 8th October (two courts) at the times stated above. The Saturday taster is being supported by Lidl and is a charitable event for the STV appeal. We are hoping for substantial numbers. I very much hope you will feel this is a worthwhile venture and that you can support it. If anyone wishes to get involved with the coaching of juniors then please do contact me. I will will write again soon with details about the taster sessions and prices for the follow-on junior coaching. Geoff Cordwell Squash Convenor

05/09/2014