Squash academy youngsters take top spots

THE game of Squash is certainly taking off among youngsters in Thame, thanks to the encouragement and training so many of Thame’s primary school children are getting at Racquets, in Thame.

On Saturday, January 17, 26 youngsters descended on Racquets Fitness Centre, for the club’s latest junior tournament. 

Racquets Academy Coach and former World ranked Pro, Sue Martin Downhill, said:  “In the December tournament there was a beginners grade which needed a development ball and two serves to get a game going. This time, some of the same children, plus others, were playing the real game of squash with the double yellow dot black ball – and only one serve! Their games have improved so much in just the last month.

“Keen Fionn Leaney and his friend Ollie Hucklebridge from Cuddington and Dinton CE School,  took the first and second prizes respectively. In a round robin format with a totalling up of points from each game, the tenacity of making each point in each game count meant that Ollie came through second over Matthew Harper, of Barley Hill Primary School, who had actually  won more matches. It was a fantastically competitive grade.”

In the top grade there were five players – all looking forward to a great future in the sport. Ollie Ralphs, Lord Williams’s School, competed well against the winner of this grade in the December tournament, a guest from Henley, Luca Babb. Going up two games to love, Ollie made the standard mistake of relaxing and finding himself two – all.  Fortunately for Ollie, support from the balcony from his Racquets peers kept his spirits up and Ollie fought hard to take the fifth; not bad for a player who only started playing in September of last year.

Sue continued: “Ollie was the first junior to take up a Racquets Academy position and has brilliantly shown how dedication to playing four times a week and having support and regular coaching can produce amazing sports results.

“In the middle grade, we were able to play a full 16 draw, knockout tournament. So many of the matches were closely fought. All with a great friendly, competitive nature.

“Previous one-day tournament winner, Adam Benke (LWS), was knocked out in the semi-finals by the most recent Racquets Academy junior, Olliver Dudley-Heidkamp (LWS). This was an unexpected win as Ollie has not been playing for as long as many of the other players and has only in the past three weeks started committing to four times a week. 

“This tournament really showed how a little bit more commitment to any sport can reap rewards within a short time, especially in junior sport. We are hoping to grow the Academy over the next few months so we are looking for juniors who have a dedication to sport regardless of their current standard or age. One of our Academy kids began without being able to hit the ball and now, with amazing perseverance, can play a commendable game of squash and is improving every week.

“It is such a pleasure to coach and mentor these kids.”

Anyone who would like more information about the Racquets Squash Academy, or would like to speak to Sue, can contact her via: http://www.racquets-fitness-centre.com/contact-us/