New drive to raise profile of squash in Scotland

Following the successful re-introduction the Scottish Schools Squash Competition in 2012, and coinciding with the launch of Scottish Squash and Racketball’s new resource for schools – Squash Try It, Play It, Love It – Scottish Squash and Racketball is aiming to boost the number of secondary schools pupils taking part in competitive sport in a fun and sociable format.

Scotland's Alan Clyne in action at the Commonwealth Games. Picture: John Devlin

Open to all Scottish secondary schools, teams of boys and girls will take part in a competitive regional and national event.

Another aim is to get the schools to link with clubs and increase the number of Scots regularly playing squash.

This competition is primarily designed to offer newcomers to the game the opportunity to play competitive squash. Experienced players will be included in the event but the main goal is to encourage new players.

The competition structure will be teams of three in a round-robin format and an unseeded knockout and there will be four regional finals – north, south, east and west – with the winners advancing to a regional final.

The first rounds will take place before the end of October and the final is planned to next spring at the Commonwealth Games courts at Scotstoun Sports Campus.

Entries must be submitted by 19 September and the draw will be published on 23 September.

Rules for the event can be found at www.scottishsquash.org/events/how-to-enter-competitions-menu and completed entry forms should be sent to Scottish Squash and Raxketball, 1 Redheughs Rigg, Edinburgh EH12 9DQ.

For details of SSRLs new schools resource, Squash Try It, Play It, Love It, contact [email protected].

In another initiative, Scottish Squash and Racketball is inviting designs from Scottish School Children for a mascot for the sport of squash in Scotland. 
The winning individual designer will receive two quality squash rackets and balls. The school judged to have the best overall entry will receive free squash equipment. 
The mascot will be launched by its creator at the Scottish Junior Open on 9-11 January at Heriot Watt University.

Squash is bashing a ball against a wall and SSRL suggest that the mascot will be called Wally – but other ideas are welcome.

Entries are invited on A4 paper, maximum of four sheets per design, and there is no limit on the number of entries from individuals or schools. Designs on hard copy only, with the name of the designer and school clearly marked on the reverse.

The closing date is 17 October 2014.