World ranked squash player joins Racquets as coach

LAST Sunday, March 1, Will John returned from his international travels to the far corners of the globe, playing top class squash, to join the Racquets Fitness Centre squash coaching team.

William John and some of the junior squash players having coaching at the club after school.

In 2010 Will joined the professional tour where his highest world ranking was#209, after travelling to such places as Brazil, Australia, Japan and many other exciting countries to compete at the highest level.

Will started playing squash at Racquets in Thame, at the age of four, and from the age of seven was spending every spare second playing squash taking advantage of the ‘turn up and play’ scheme at Racquets Fitness Centre’s where Junior members can come and use spare courts for free.

Most recently, Will travelled to Sportcity in Manchester to stamp his authority on the British National Championships where he made it to the last 32 players in Britain, where he rubbed shoulders with the top players in the world.

The Manager of Racquets, Simon Martin, said: “We are thrilled to have Will joining us at the club at such a time when we are seeing a major influx in squash players of all ages. Will’s coaching is fun and he is keen to give the juniors of Thame the same opportunities that he has had.”

Will responded:  “Whilst travelling the world as a squash professional you have to learn to deal with the pressures of competition and expectation, upsets and frustrations. You must learn how to get the best from yourself every day of a competition.” The fact that Will has been travelling and competing at such a high level enables him to bring to Thame his very recent, high level of knowledge and experience.

Will has already been working with Sue Martin-Downhill, getting more people playing squash and offering the opportunity to take part in coaching sessions that will maximise their potential. Sue said:  “What is really special about this latest development at the club is that people can be inspired to strive to be the best they can be. Will is coming in and encouraging everyone to adopt the attitude that you can be a top squash player and that you can improve you game no matter what your level or your age.”

Will, obviously delighted with his new role at Racquets, said:  “I’m very happy to have such an incredible opportunity to coach at a prestigious club such as Racquets, even more so since I started my squash here. The club is a second home to me and it excites me already to see some of the young players coming through starting at the same place as me.”

Will will be joining Sue, Roger, Mike and Mary teaching squash to the Year fives and sixes from Barley Hill, John Hampden and St Joseph’s primary schools during their PE lessons, and helping kids and adults alike to realise how much fun squash can be and how it can help with health and fitness and a great,general sense of wellbeing.

SOURCE: Contributed