Thame’s squash juniors mix it with the seniors

RACQUETS Fitness Centre’s Junior squash players, have been mixing it with the adults to really test their metal and get tournament experience.

Left to right – Artie Shrimpton and Noah James

Racquets hosted an Adult Graded Squash Tournament on Saturday, December 16, with 37 players of all standards entered across four categories. Grade D was populated by a host of junior players who all decided to enter the adult orientated tournament for match play experience.

Coach, Sue Martin Downhill said: “It was fantastic to witness the next generation of squash players coming through and mixing in with more experienced players, watching and taking notes as well as trying their hand at marking the senior competitors.”

Ten year-old Alex Bozon was quick to volunteer as referee in between his own matches, showing confidence in tracking the score. He had a close match with peer Andrew Worby who has only been playing squash for three months but managed to serve well on the day to sneak a win.

In the other half of the competition original Academy player, Allegra Michopoulou, took on newby Matthew Bailey who started playing squash in October when his school attended squash sessions at Racquets. Both players showed grit and determination but it was Allegra who had the slight edge. Sue Martin-Downhill emphasised the importance of introducing schools to squash for the future of our sport: “People rarely stumble across squash,” she said. “It’s up to us and our squash community to offer opportunities to play.” Racquets currently works with local schools during the daytime and also run junior squash sessions six days a week outside of school hours. Offering all these opportunities to play has seen the junior set up in Thame flourish over the last six months.

Sue concluded: “The tournament was a great success with over 50 matches being played across the day. Players earned their mince pies, particularly nine-year olds Noah James and Artie Shrimpton, who ended the day with a tight five set match in the D grade final. Over 40 minutes of play, Artie came out triumphant, beating Noah 11-7.

“Well done to all the juniors who played and marked over the weekend; it was fantastic to watch the new generation of young talent on our squash courts here in Thame.”