Thame squash coach takes youngsters to the top in Euro-championships

AT just 15 years-old, Oxfordshire-born squash player, Chloe Marshall, gained her first England cap representing her country at the 2005 European Championships in Tel Aviv, Israel, and 14 years later, Chloe is still involved with the event, but this time in the role of the coach.

The 2019 European Championships have just completed in Eindhoven, in The Netherlands, at the Squashtime club, where Chloe acted as an assistant National coach to the England Junior teams, who were number One seeds for both the U15 and U17 age groups.

In the days leading up to the championships, Chloe was excited to work with the young elite players, commenting: “I was involved in this event last year and it was a fantastic experience getting to work alongside England’s young squash stars; I’m really excited for this year’s competition in Eindhoven – giving back to the younger players feels very rewarding”. Chloe accompanied 10 of England’s top ranked juniors to The Netherlands, where they were aiming to win their 13th consecutive title.

Chloe and the England Juniors went on to win gold in Eindhoven for both the U15 and U17 categories, making them 2019 European Champions! Next year the event will be hosted by England in Nottingham, which Chloe hopes to be involved with too. Aside from her role within the National Coaching team, Chloe bases herself out of Racquets Fitness Centre, in Thame, where she leads a Junior Squash Academy which sees over 70 children a week playing squash.

Group sessions range from beginners, all the way through to elite, for children aged seven years and above. The coaching team currently work with Thame’s schools, offering their skills to primary-aged children, who they can then develop within the Academy. Racquets Club Owner, Simon Martin, shares his enthusiasm and passion for squash, particularly the work that’s taking place with the juniors. “It’s great to see how the sport is evolving and modernising – it’s exciting to see all these kids coming through!” he said.

There are lots of opportunities for children to learn basic racket and ball skills at Racquets, as well as being offered experienced coaching from Chloe and her team. More information on how to get your child involved can be found on the Racquets website or by calling 01844 261754.

SOURCE: Contributed