Thame’s Squash juniors in top form

Allegra Michoplou, one of Racquets’ junior Academicians

RACQUETS Fitness Centre’s Squash Academy’s juniors were on top form last weekend, showing off their obvious potential competing in a National England Sanctioned event held at Racquets Fitness Centre.

Over the weekend of March 18-19, Racquets hosted this Bronze England Sanctioned squash tournament, attracting top juniors from all over the UK. The ability of the 45 junior entrants was as expected, wide-ranging from county level to regional and national level. Racquets its self had many juniors competing in the tournament and for most, it was their first ever England Sanctioned Tournament.

Four juniors from Racquets shone in their age categories; Ollie Ralphs in the boys Under 19s, Ollie Cartwright in the boys Under 15s, Artie Shrimpton in the boys Under 11s and Allegra Michoplou in the girls Under 11s. Ollie Ralphs competed in his first ever England Squash tournament. “Ollie has always been keen and determined to better his game,” said Head coach, Sue Martin Downhill, “and to reach his full potential. Not that long ago he suffered a terrible sports injury which put him out for months, leading to him not being able to train or even get on court and hit a ball. However, he has made a fantastic comeback and is playing some of the best squash he has ever played. Ollie played out of his skin and was keen to show what he was made of and ended up as runner-up in his age category which is a fantastic achievement. I am extremely proud Ollie has made it this far in the game and expect him to progress even further in the near future.”

Competing in the boys under 15s was Ollie Cartwright. Ollie C, a more experience player in terms of National Junior tournaments, had only recently moved up an age group meaning he was to face older, stronger and more conditioned opponents. “Ollie is improving at an alarming rate, training at racquets five or six days a week and striving to become a better player,” said Ollie’s coach, Ben Hedger. “He was unfortunate to draw the number one seed in his first round but gave the top player a good run for his money. Ollie’s mindset is impeccable and didn’t let this phase him. He continued to play his own game throughout the tournament and ended up placed third in his age category.

“I am extremely impressed in the way Ollie dealt with more accomplished opponents, and he shows high potential to do well in his age category.”

In the boys under 11s, Artie Shrimpton who placed runner-up in the Plate, and in the girls under 11s, Allegra Michoplou. Artie and Allegra joined Racquets at the same time, both showing great talent and earning their place in the Racquets Academy, where they have shown great willingness to learn. They are both down at the club nearly every day receiving free coaching from coaches Ben and Sue, as they are in the academy, alongside 10 other juniors. This was also their first ever England Squash tournament. They have both only been playing seriously for about four months which goes to show the rapid rate of improvement they have achieved – both great prospects for the future. “They and are great role models for other juniors at Racquets,” added Sue.

For more information about playing squash, whether a youngster starting out, or starting later in life, contact Sue, Simon or Ben at Racquets Fitness Centre on 01844 261754.

SOURCE: Contributed by Ben Hedger