Dear Players/Parents
Last season was hugely successful thanks to the hard work of our volunteer committee supported by players and parents. With your continued support we hope that the coming season will be even better.
We ran 9 Inter-County teams last season with some notable successes, in particular the U15 & U11 Girls teams who both lost to Yorkshire in their respective finals.
4 County Training squads and 4 Development Squads were held involving 105 juniors.
We entered 3 teams in the County Cup – ESR mixed event for players who did not compete in the main Inter-County competition, the U13 and U17 teams won and the U15 team finished second.
We ran 2 Inter-County Friendly fixtures with Kent and Middlesex and have four planned for next season, which will also include Suffolk and Surrey.
Entries were very good for the Essex Junior Closed and Essex Junior Open, with almost 200 players taking part in the 2 events.
We introduced a Grand Prix Series aimed at players who wanted to experience competitive squash for the first time. 5 very successful events were held around the county, 7 are planned for next season
The Women & Girls Tournament attracted over 50 competitors and the day finished with a brilliant exhibition/fundraising match between ex World Champion Laura Massaro and World No. 21 Nicolette Fernandes. We have more plans for May 2016!!
2 Charity Family Fun events have been held at Lexden Squash Club, the first raised over £100 for Kids Inspire and the second in July raised £205 for CRY.
National Rankings – At the end of the season there were 59 Essex Juniors on the ESR National Ranking lists, a great reflection of the hard work of players, parents and coaches.
Season 2015/16 –
The County Commitment fees will remain unchanged for the coming season.
- The total cost of 4 county training sessions, Inter-County/Inter-County Friendlies/Harrow Cup plus 1 Training Shirt & 1 Competition shirt will be £85 per junior.
- For any further siblings a 50% discount is offered i.e. second and subsequent juniors from the same family will pay £42.50 each.
Key dates for the Season:
Essex Junior Closed 26th & 27th September – Cpl Budd VC Gymnasium, Colchester Garrison.
Quiz Night – Saturday 28th November – Essex Junior Squash Quiz Night, Marks Tey.
Essex Junior Open – 5th & 6th March 2016 – Cpl Budd VC Gymnasium.
County Training
Sunday 7th September 2015
Sunday 25th October 2015
| Age Group | Time | Venue | Age Group | Time | Venue | |
| Girls | 11am-1pm | Garrison | Girls | 9am-11am | Garrison | |
| U11 Boys | 12pm-2pm | Lexden | U11 Boys | 10am-12pm | Lexden | |
| U13 Boys | 2pm-4pm | Lexden | U13 Boys | 12pm-2pm | Lexden | |
| U15 Boys | 10am-12pm | Lexden | U15 Boys | 2pm-4pm | Lexden | |
| U17/19 Boys | 9am-11am | Garrison | U17/19 Boys | 1pm-3pm | Garrison |
Sunday 31st January2016Sunday 24th April 2016
| Age Group | Time | Venue | Age Group | Time | Venue | |
| Girls | 11am-1pm | Garrison | Girls | 9am-11am | Garrison | |
| U11 Boys | 2pm-4pm | Lexden | U11 Boys | |||
| U13 Boys | 12pm-2pm | Lexden | U13 Boys | 10am-12pm | Lexden | |
| U15 Boys | 10am-12pm | Lexden | U15 Boys | 12pm-2pm | Lexden | |
| U17/19 Boys | 9am-11am | Garrison | U17/19 Boys | 1pm-3pm | Garrison |
Please note that the 4th County Training Squad for the Boys U11 will take place on Sunday 3rd April 2016 from 10am – 12pm at Lexden Squash Club, this is in preparation for the U11 Festival on 16th April 2016.
Inter-County dates (if selected) – Venues TBC
Stage 1 10th & 11th October 2015 Stage 2 21st & 22nd November 2015
Finals 16th & 17th January 2016
Attendance at a minimum of 3 training sessions in addition to entry in the Essex Junior Closed is required for all juniors to be eligible for selection to represent Essex in the Inter-County Championships.(in special circumstances this requirement may be waived subject to committee approval)
Everyone should have received their application forms in the post or by email. If you haven’t, please let Karen Selby know ASAP.
Here’s hoping for a great season ahead.
David Harris – Chairman