Emotions run high at Racquets’ One Day Tournament

ON Saturday, July 14, Racquets Fitness Centre, Thame, hosted another of its popular One Day Squash Tournaments, welcoming children of all standards and ages to come along and participate in some competitive match play.

Malakai Davison, aged just 7, and already a winner!

Seventeen children competed across three mini tournaments, with the players ranging from 7 to 16 years-old. This was most definitely the closest competition held to date with very few matches being won in straight sets. For many of the kids this was their first tournament, and a great way for them to put all their training into practice, and for their parents to see them play a ‘proper’ match!

Having a variation of age and standard within the same tournament gave our more experienced juniors the opportunity to mentor the younger players and support them throughout the day. Squash coach, Chloe Marshall, emphasised: “These events provide invaluable lessons to all of our junior players, particularly our youngest competitors who are constantly learning and developing – physically, socially, mentally and emotionally!” This tournament demonstrated just how important it is for children to experience situations where they are feeling under pressure, and figuring out how to deal with their emotions when things are out of their control and not going their way.

“These are common challenges of not only sports competitions, but many other areas of children’s everyday lives such as friendships and school tests. Racquets Fitness Centre proudly nurtures their junior squash players, focusing on developing their players using a holistic approach. ”

A big ‘well done’ to everyone that took part in the tournament at the weekend, particularly 7 year-old Malakai Davison who won his group, even though this was his first competitive competition in squash! Malakai didn’t have a straight forward journey to the gold medal but with a positive attitude, and his eyes on the prize, he managed to keep a cool head and secure the win.

The eventual final saw Malakai beat 16 year-old newbie, Jasmine, 2-1.

Group winners

Pink Group – Malakai Davison

Orange Group – Thomas Taylor

Green Group – Ollie Cartwright and Molly Woods

SOURCE: Contributed