Essex talent scouts headed for Colchester Garrison on Sunday on the lookout for new squash stars to join our growing county squad.
We opened the doors for players under-13 to step forward and show us what they have and coaches Lauren Selby, Paul Selby, Chris Chitty, Paul Allen, ably assisted by Elliot Selby and John Allpress, were left more than impressed by the skills, commitment and enthusiasm of all the youngsters who attended.
The 8 Girls and 20 Boys were put through their paces in a series of disciplines designed to test their agility, co-ordination, athleticism and racket skills and it’s safe to say the standard was pretty high.
Children from the age of 6 to 12 years old, all ran themselves into the ground as they pushed themselves through the punishing court sprints, racket skills, agility tests and co-ordination exercises.
Juniors from Lexden, Maldon, Ardleigh, Redbridge and Harwich Squash clubs made up the bulk of players but a handful of non associated players were also in attendance.
Senior Essex coach Lauren Selby summed up the session. “We wanted to offer young players the opportunity of a trial in front of the Essex coaches. Sometimes players slip through the net and we don’t get to see how good they are or what potential is available to us. Today’s get together was a great start in that process. We are all agreed that we’ve seen some terrific talent which is wonderful. Twenty years ago, current England players Pete Barker and Daryl Selby (my brother) attended a trial day just like this, so who knows what might come from today.”
We held a similar trial at Connaught last month and from these two dates, children will be selected to train with either the Essex Junior County Squad or Essex Junior Development Squads. Everyone who attended will be receiving personal letters advising which of the squads they should attend to further their own development in the game of squash.
The Essex scouts plan to hold a further trial day in the county during January 2015 with venue and timing to be confirmed.
If you need any further information, Karen Selby, the Essex Junior Squash secretary, is the one to contact. Her email is KarenSelby@GMX.com or you can call her on 07866 455594. Alternatively visit www.essexjuniorsquash.com for all the latest news.
