LAUREN SELBY GIVES HER VIEW ON THE IMPORTANCE OF REGIONAL SQUASH
I’ve been itching to write a blog for weeks but the subject matter hasn’t jumped out at me. Girls in sport….I could talk all day, Squash and the Olympic bid….I will let the big boys handle that. Yesterday, however, I sat for the majority of the afternoon/evening working on the tournament schedule for the East Regional Closed. Fun and games indeed for a Sunday afternoon but all for a worthy cause, 140 kids competing and having fun.
This year, Off The Wall Squash has been selected by England Squash to run the East Regional programme, and we’re looking forward to the challenge. Can we support every child who plays squash in the East region? A tough ask but one in which we will work hard to achieve.
So my question is: How important is the Regional structure? Simple answer: CRUCIAL. The standard and depth of junior squash in this country has, in my opinion, diminished over the past 10-15 years. Have we still got potentially world class squash players? Of course. But how we nurture, develop and support them is vital. They need access to quality coaching on a regular basis, a motivating environment and constant guidance.
The Regional tier is a key part of the talent pathway and helps motivate children to push to the next step from county level. Players should be fighting hard to get in their Regional squad, it should mean something to them and if it doesn’t then something needs to be addressed.
I feel we have that level of competitiveness and drive in the East. Kids working hard to get into the regional squads will only make the standard of squash increase in the East. Look at some of these Egyptian clubs with hundreds of junior players. Regular quality coaching, a motivating environment, constant guidance and always competing to be top dog. I probably don’t need to say any more about the kind of players Egypt are producing. Malaysia is another example, 32 draws in U9 girls’ events are common.
There has suddenly become a fear in this country about pushing children too early. If a child doesn’t want to play then don’t make them play. If a child (regardless of age) wants to go on court because they love playing, let them play as much as they want. It doesn’t have to always be structured coaching and drills; just let them play and express themselves, even if they’re two years old with a balloon.
Back to the regional programme. Our country needs you! However, it doesn’t need you if the programme is of poor quality and not motivating. All the counties in the region need to be pulling in the same direction and giving all children opportunities to develop further. In the East we are slowly but surely getting the old regional buzz back. The parents and kids are enthused and the coaches are starting to understand its importance.
I hope all the other regions are treating the programme with the same passion and enthusiasm. If you’re not then I personally think you’re missing a trick. We shall see! My aim….a 32 draw in the girls U9 Regional Closed in 5 years. I do love a challenge.