Squash ‘tasters’ reach out to Thame schools

THANKS to the voluntary work of a retired Thame man, 1500 pupils from Thame’s three primary schools have had the opportunity to experience an alternative sport to the mainstream of football, rugby, tennis and cricket.

 Roger Ridler, explained: “Since retiring in 2005, I have been organising a programme of Squash taster sessions for the three primary schools in Thame, Barley Hill, John Hampden & St Josephs. The schools visit Racquets Fitness Centre during school hours. 

 “The sessions give year 5 and 6 students an hour of 20 minutes squash basics, 20 minutes ball coordination and 20 minutes gym exercises over a period of four weeks for each class attending. This is a programme which is fully supported by the teachers and was instrumental in the club obtaining a grant from Oxfordshire Sports Partnership of £400 to purchase new junior equipment .

 “Whilst I am a qualified coach I do this on a voluntary basis and Racquets Fitness Centre provides its facilities free of charge, including their gym staff, as well as generously awarding free, yearly Junior Memberships to selected students.”

 To find out more about junior squash at Racquets Fitness Centre, visit the website.