THE Essex Junior Squash schools’ coaching programme, which has introduced over 4,000 youngsters to the sport in the past 18 months, was given a huge boost this week when the Colchester-based FJG Foundation backed them with a cash- for-equipment donation.
A coaching team, led by former top professional player Lauren Selby, has set up schools’ training sessions across the county sparking a tremendous resurgence in the sport, which Forbes Magazine revealed as the number one all-round activity for fitness.
Essex Junior Squash applied to the FJG Foundation, set up by Colchester law firm Fisher, Jones, Greenwood, for funding and the Trustees voted to support the programme with a donation that will be spent on training equipment, including a portable squash wall, rackets and protective eye glasses.
Ellen Petersen from the FJG Foundation explained:” Our foundation was set up two years ago to provide support to local sport and recreation projects. The Essex Junior Squash schools’ programme is a tremendous example of how to engage youngsters in a wonderful sport and we are proud to offer our backing.”
Two of Ellen’s colleagues, Penny Hepburn and Marion Knocker, got a taste of schools squash this week when they met up with 64 Colchester youngsters (pictured below) at the first round of the Roman Cup, an inter-schools tournament held at the Colchester Garrison.
They also handed over a well received cheque for £500 to Essex Junior Squash Chairman David Harris who said: “This will help us provide more equipment for more coaches to take into schools. We cannot thank FJG enough for backing such a vibrant and important project. Hopefully, it will help launch a future generation of squash stars.”
For more information about the FJG Foundation, check out their website www.fjg.co.uk/site/about/fjg_foundation/
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