Young Thame squash player wins Gold in Leicester

NOAH James, 10, started playing squash less than a year ago after being introduced to the sport through a school friend. Since then he has been attending group academy training and 1:1 coaching sessions with Oxfordshire Head County Coach, Marshall, at Racquets Fitness Centre in Thame.

Image courtesy of Cornwall Sports Partnership

Noah recently started training with the U11 Oxon county squad and has quickly made his presence well known in the team. His natural eye for the game alongside his gritty determination has awarded Noah with much success during his time playing at Racquets, which has fed his determination to compete in a wider range of competitions.

On Sunday, February 25, Noah took part in a Copper event in Leicester, one of his first tournaments outside of the Oxfordshire region. Throughout the day Noah showed off his strengths and played incredibly well, showing few nerves to his more experienced opponents. After a comfortable first round match, Noah was up against England number 34, Jaidon Mistry from Leicestershire, a tricky player who covered the court well.

Noah was able to convert more winners on the day and took the match 2-1, taking him through to the final. Other parents commented on how well he did to maintain such a positive mind-set during his matches as most players were supported by the home crowd, with Noah being the only entrant from Oxfordshire. In the final Noah was challenged by local Leicester played and England number 32, Harry Parkinson, who had a fiery serve and a solid set of attacking shots. Luckily, reputation didn’t faze Noah with the young Racquets star oozing grace and control on court, hunting every opportunity to attack the ball and create winners.

Noah himself commented: “The tournament was really fun and I really enjoyed playing on the show court.” The squash team at Racquets are all very proud of his recent squash achievements. Well done Noah!

SOURCE: Contributed by Chloe Marshal