Progress and frustrations in 2018

This year was our eleventh for the Club. New members still find us through the website the flexibility of our on-line booking system is a great aid to recruitment.

Despite having our third court planning consent in place since July 2016, the building estimates remain too high and have been difficult to achieve for any alternative means of construction.

The monthly leagues, organised by Mike Thomas, are reasonably well supported and our Teams had some success throughout the 2017-18 season.

Club's 2018 AGM

The 2018 Squash Club Annual General Meeting which took place on Wednesday, 30 May.

Items considered included our membership subscriptions, light card fees and the election of Officers for the next twelve months, as well as implications for the Club from the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Highlights from the meeting:-
* No increase this year in subscriptions or light card fees;
* Officers of the Club remain unchanged;
* GDPR means all members will be required to complete an Application Form this year;
* A Teams Meeting was arranged for 7.00 pm on 14 June.

At the meeting, Officers for 2018-19 were agreed as follows:

Chairman - Mark Davies;
Secretary - Jim Tunley
Treasurer - Kevin Jones
Assistant Treasurer - Mannon Goddard
Ordinary Members - Geraint Jones, Darren Lee & Hannah Davies.

Some highlights from 2018 ...

Courts refurb - the final phase.

Both courts were out of action from 8 - 10 January inclusive while the final work to refurbish both courts was completed by CourtCare.

Work commenced on time and were available again from 11 January.

Frank Newsome

We lost Frank Newsome who passed away on 15 January; Frank had been a great supporter of the Squash Club.

Winter Club Nights

We tried our Winter Club Night sessions on Sundays during February and March.
It was an opportunity for all abilities to join together in a pay and play session from 4.00 until 7.00 pm, however, the takeup for these was not great.

Masters weekend in Swansea

Three local players were at the 2018 Welsh Masters in Swansea (9 - 11 February).

Club Champion, Jonathan Davies in the Mens Over 40s; John Ashton in the Mens Over 45s; and Mark Davies in the Mens Over 55s (only just !).

Results:
John Ashton had a fantastic tournament and retained his Mens Over 45 title;
Jonathan Davies lost out in a 5 set match at the Semi Final stage of the Mens Over 40s; and
Mark Davies lost in the Quarter Finals of the Mens Over 55s.
Well done all.

Tez is National Champion

North Wales squash received a massive boost at the 2018 Dunlop British National Championships, held at the National Squash Centre in Manchester, over the week 14 - 18 February, with local girl, Tesni Evans taking the Womens crown for the first time.

With this superb win (in three sets v. Alison Waters), Tez made history as the first ever Welsh person to win a National Championship - huge congratulations.

Also involved was Hannah Davies who won her first round qualifying match a convincing 3-0.
Hannah then played in the final round of qualifying against Alison Thompson from Scotland only to lose a tight match by 3-1.

Chairman has a BIG birthday

On 3 March, our Club Chairman celebrated his 60th Birthday with a great day at the National Squash Centre, Manchester.

Jamie & Josh selected for Wales

Huge congratulations to Jamie Silvester [Under 13] and Josh Davies [Under 15] on their selection to represent Wales at the 5 Nations Juniors Tournament in Nantes, France from 6 - 8 April. Brilliant news and great reward for all of the hard work and progress that they've made during the past year; well done both.

Congratulations also to one of our Team players, Layna Beattie who is selected for Wales in the mixed European Team and Individual Under 19 Championships in Poland, from 24 March to 1 April.

A Commonwealth Bronze for Tez

Huge congratulations for North Wales player, Tesni Evans on achieving a Bronze Medal finish at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, in Australia.

In winning her Bronze Medal match, Tez beat the former World No.1, Nicol David (Malaysia).

Challenging Conditions !

Our inaugural season finale, The Condition Game Challenge took place on 21 April.

Despite a disappointing number of entrants, those who did take part enjoyed some excellent squash, culminating in a classic Youth v. Experience final match between young Josh Davies and (the slightly older) Mark Davies.

A packed gallery witnessed a tight match reaching 14-14 and, in the dramatic sudden death final rally, Mark came through to win.

The Condition Game Challenge is to become a permanent end-of-season event; just a bit of fun that will seek to raise funds for Junior Squash at the Club.

Local players on top at Snowdonia

Several players from the Club did rather well at the inaugural Snowdonia Open 2018 which took place at Bangor University on 28 April.

Hannah Davies took the Ladies A Event;
Linsey Silvester won a tough Final in the Ladies B Event.
Moreton Hall School made up the Ladies C Event with the Winner, Jess Fox.

In the Mens Events:
Jonathan Davies beat Darren Lee in the Semi Final of the Mens A Event to set up a Final match with World Ranked player, Emyr Evans - Emyr took that 3-0.
Mark Davies finished Third in the Mens B Event.
Will Silvester had a great day to win the Mens C Event.

It turned out to be a good first tournament and enjoyed by all.

Decoration at the Club

In May, the decoration of the foyer and balcony areas of the Club was completed, with noticeboards fixed; we hoped that everyone likes the blue theme !

Darren is Racketball Champion

The North West of England Racketball Championships were held at Liverpool Cricket Club on 13th May when two of our members won silverware.

Darren Lee retained his Over 35 regional title with 4 hard fought victories, including a tight 2 1 victory in the Final against Russ Lambert, (the 2016 035 Champion).

Club Champion, Jonathan Davies also entered this, his first ever racketball tournament, in the A Grade event. Jon had been receiving coaching from Darren over the past six months and upset the seeding by beating Liverpool Club Champion, Andrew Breen, on his way to the Runners up position.

We hoped to build on that success with a one day racketball event during the summer that would be open to all members.

Representing Wales ...

We congratulated Mark Davies on his selection to the Welsh Over 60s Team that played the Four Nations Tournament in Aberdeen over the weekend 18 - 20 May; and winning his two matches.

Sian - just Champion

Congratulations to Sian Hughes who had recently won the 2018 Civil Service Squash Masters Championship at the presigious Nottingham Squash Club.

Sian was winner of the Ladies Over 50 Trophy having won some really tough matches along the way, including a comeback from 2-0 down to win the Trophy. Very well done, Sian.

2018 Club Championships

Our big annual event of the year, the Final of the 2018 Club Championships took place on 22 June, with Jonathan Davies retaining the title.

The Final was contested between Jon and Jack Hayes, with the Third / Fourth match won by Darren Lee against Kevin Lloyd. Congratulations to all players.
The Plate Competition has still to be completed !

Darren's in the Racketball top flight

Huge congratulations to Darren Lee who made it through to the Semi Finals of the Men's Over 45 event in the 2018 National Squash 57 Championships, (that's racketball by another name).

This took place on 8 July, at the Edgbaston Priory Squash Club, Birmingham.

Club members involved with Inter Counties

The Welsh Inter Counties weekend took place in Cardiff over the weekend 22 - 23 September, with some of our members taking part.

Hannah Davies captained the North Wales Ladies Team to victory over Gwent in the Welsh Senior Inter Counties Final - the Team was Lowri Roberts, Elin Harlow, Hannah Davies, Layna Beattie and Lauren Evans.

The North Wales Mens Team did not have such success, however, finishing sixth out of the six teams taking part. Included in the Mens Team were Darren Lee, Rhys Williams, George Thomas and Ben Murphy. Also, playing at No.1 for the Men's Team was Ladies World Ranked No 12 player, Tesni Evans.

Sian's China Challenge

Club member Sian Hughes took on a five day challenge along the Great Wall of China.

Setting off on 19 October, Sian did an organised trek along The Great Wall over watchtowers and mountains, through historic battlements to the top of the "Heavenly Ladder" at Mutainyu.

This very personal challenge for Sian was about raising funds for the Wrexham Hospice, Nightingale House. A fantastic effort and well done to Sian.

Champion cleaners ....

The essence of many Clubs, including Wrexham Brymbo Squash Club, is the voluntary nature of how business is managed, from the monthly leagues, to the website and some of the day to day maintenance.

Highlighting this voluntary action, on 28 September, Jonathan Davies [2018 Club Champion] and his guest, Tesni Evans [2018 British National Champion, 2018 Commonwealth Games Bronze Medalist and current World No 12] decided to clean their court before play.
We thank them for their self help initiative.

Our Cheshire Champion

Congratulations to Jonathan Davies on becoming 2018 Cheshire Over 35s Champion.
The championships took place at Alderley Edge over the weekend 3-4 November.

2018 North East Wales Open

A very successful North East Wales Open Championships took place over the weekend of 10-11 November at the Deeside Leisure Centre with the Mens and Ladies top seeds taking the honours - Elliot Morris Devred and, World ranked No 9, Tesni Evans.

Several players with links to the Club took part and there were successes for Jonathan Davies who came third in the Mens A Event;
Hannah Davies finished fourth in the Ladies Event;
and, notably, for young Will Silvester, who became Champion in the Mens C Event.

The standard of squash and the spirit in which that was played was superb - this is the sort of local tournament that our Club members really should consider entering in the future !

A Fast & Furious Christmas

The 2018 Fast & Furious Christmas Tournament was held on 7th and 8th December, with around 30 players taking part.

Though we were treated to some excellent squash, in particular from some our rising young and talented players within the Club; in the end, experience prevailed with our Club Champion, Jonathan Davies taking it to became a six times winner as he retained the title, with Hannah Davies as Runner-up.

The Club had a buzz to it all day and our thanks to everyone for their support.

Tesco Bags of Help Scheme

We were pleased that the Squash Club had been accepted as part of the Tesco Bags of Help Scheme; this grant scheme allows local projects (we were one of three successful projects on this occasion) the opportunity to go forward to a vote in Tesco stores, where their customers decide the outcome by voting for their favourite project each time they shop.

This was a great and unique opportunity; it followed an application made on the basis of the Club's commitment to growing the sport of squash, encouraging greater participation for all and, in particular, with local young people.

Practical support from the Scheme will assist plans for junior development and help ensure this remains sustainable, through the recruitment and development of new coaches, as well as the on-going development and accreditation of our existing coaches.
Funding may also allow us to offer some support to parents accopamying juniors to tournaments organised by Wales Squash, our National Governing Body, in South Wales or abroad.

Importantly, we hope this will go a long way to help secure and support a strong local sporting future at the Squash Club.

The Squash Club was fortunate to receive a sum of £1,000 from the Tesco Bags for Help Grant Scheme which continued at the Wrexham store throughout November and December.

Our Teams in 2018 ...

2018 - 2019 Season

North East Wales Plate retained

Congratulations to our North Wales First Team, captained by Richard Ackerley, on retaining the Plate Trophy (for the Third Year).

They beat a strong Holywell Seconds by 4-1, despite a handicap difference of 9 points - well done.

North Wales Ladies Team

Congratulations to our North Wales Ladies, captained by Hannah Davies, who won through innto the next round of the England Squash Inter Counties at Sheffield in January 2019.
They had a strong 5-0 win over Merseyside as well as a 3-2 win over Nottinghamshire.

UPDATE: Our Ladies Team played in the England Squash Inter Counties Finals at Nottingham on 6 April and narrowly missed promotion to the Premier Division.
They beat Cambridgeshire but lost to Warwickshire.

It was a great achievement to make it to the Finals and here's to next year !

North Wales Ladies at Inter Counties

MID SEASON REPORT (DECEMBER 2018)

North East Wales League
First Team - finished a comfortable second place in Division One with young Will Silvester (age 14) being introduced to the Team and performing very well. Playing at a higher level has certainly improved his game.
Second Team - they finished third in Division 2. They had chances to gain promotion but a shortage of players in important matches cost them. New Captain, Paul Murphy is doing an excellent job.
Third Team - they were relegated from Division 2 by the narrowest margin; very unlucky and didn't deserve to go down but again, in one or two crucial matches player availability was an issue. We hope they will bounce straight back up.
Fourth Team - Lindsey Silvester took on the Captaincy for this Team that mainly comprises junior players, this to give them the experience of competitive league squash. Juniors involved so far this season were - Jamie Silivester, David Thomas, Max Kaye and Cameron Dennis. All of them performed really well and are ready for a successful second half!
Matches restarted on 15th January 2019.

North West Counties League
First Team - they're placed comfortably in the top four, with consistency of players being the key to their success.
Second Team - Unlike our First Team, injuries and non-availability of key players have cost the them dearly. Presently, they are third from bottom of Division 2 and in a relegation fight which is going to be very tough to get out of unless those key players step up.
Third Team - they lie second in the Division 3 with two of our juniors, Josh Davies and Will Silvester playing an admirable part in the Team. Particularly so as injuries to key older, more experienced players could have proved disastrous to the Team had these juniors not stepped in.
Without any doubt, playing Teams Squash and in this League has considerably improved their squash - next season there's every likelihood that these two will be playing in a higher league.
Matches restarted on 3rd January 2019.

North Wales Leagues

This season we had two teams contesting the Gerald Shone Challenge Cup (this is a match between the previous season's League and North Wales Cup winning teams).
In a delayed match, this was held at the Club on 11 December between our First and Second Teams, with the First Team coming through to win it 3-2.

2018 Gerald Shone Cup Winners - First Team

2018 Gerald Shone Cup Runners up - Second Team

North West Counties Squash Leagues

Congratulations to Will Silvester who, on his 14th Birthday, won his debut match in the North West Counties League.

Playing for our Third Team v. Neston 2, Will beat his opponent 3-0.

Winning ways for Will

We've been fortunate to have fielded a consistent First Team so far at the Club this season; they're mid table in Division 2 and proud to wear their new Mantis tops !

2018-19 First Team

The new season kicked off on Thursday, 20 September with the First Team at home to Chester Rugby [won 3-2] and the Seconds away at Liverpool Cricket [lost 5-0].

Good luck to everyone who has committed to represent the Club this season.

2017 - 2018 Season

Sponsorship continues ...

Our sincere thanks to Malcolm Williams (Big Mal) on behalf of REDWITHER Ltd for his continuing support of our teams this season, with generous sponsorship of our match balls.

END OF SEASON REPORT (MAY 2018)

North East Wales League
First Team – they performed well throughout the season to finish a comfortable 3rd place in Division 1. Captain, Richard Ackerley, mixed his team selection throughout the season introducing new players like young Layna Beattie and the older Dan Aimer & Ashley Peile into the fray. To top the season off they won the NE Wales Handicap Cup.
Second Team – John Williams once again, with help from Kev & Julie and his "WhatsApp" Group, kept control over the team and finished a creditable 3rd place in a tough Division 2. Their season was capped by winning the NE Wales Plate competition. A plus for the season was the promotion of junior player, Josh Davies from the Third Team; Josh cemented his place in the Team for the second half.
Third Team – Once again, Captain Marc Williams made it known he wanted promotion this season after coming so close last year. All of the Team put in some excellent performances and they did achieve promotion to the Division 2 for next season. Well done.
Fourth Team – the Fourth Team was introduced into the second half of the season, playing in Division 3; the aim was to give some of our junior players the experience of league squash. Junior players involved were William & Jamie Silvester, David Thomas, Thomas Koscinski & Lewis Davies with Lindsey Silvester and a couple of old timers helping out when needed !
Valuable experience was gained by these younger players which should hold them in good stead for next season when, we hope, they will be fighting for places in the Second and Third teams.

North West Counties League
A very up and down season for the First and Second Teams in Division 2 with injuries, work issues and, perhaps a lack of commitment at certain times, which did not help matters. We maybe need to look again at the parallel team system we adopted, which didn't work out as expected.
Despite all that, both teams managed to stay in the Division thanks to some important wins during the last couple of weeks of the season.
The Third Team, however, performed admirably throughout the season even though some players needed to move up to the Firsts or the Seconds, sometimes at very short notice. They eventually went on to win the Division 3 by ONE POINT - on the last game of the season! The introduction of Josh Davies into the side, as a Junior, he gained us an extra point – it was the key to us winning and Josh more than proved his selection by winning his last match 3-2. For the record, Geraint would not like to go on last ever again, if these circumstances were repeated !

Making good progress ...

It was a classic Youth v. Experience match as young Josh Davies played for the Second Team against Alan Coppack (Beaufort Park) in a NE Wales League match on 6 March 2018.

It was all court, skillful and physically demanding going into a fifth game, with Josh taking it - excellent squash both.

A first for the Club

On 11 January 2018, Father and Son, Jonathan and Josh Davies played together for the first time in our NWCSL First Team, against St Asaph 1.

Josh (age just 13) was playing his first match in North West Counties Leagues and was unlucky not to win, losing out 9-11 in the fifth game !
Well done Josh.

Our Juniors in 2018 ...

January 2018

Start to Junior Coaching delayed

Junior Coaching was delayed due to the final phase of the squash court refurbishment,(8 - 10 January), and so our first Juniors Coaching session was held on 15 January.

North-Mid Juniors League

A North-Mid Wales Juniors League was hosted at the Club on 6 January, with teams from Newtown, Llanfyllin and Brymbo taking part.

Juniors League players - January 2018

Top Competition for juniors

Best wishes went to four of our juniors who were be involved in the highest level of competition during January.

First up, Jamie Silvester took part in the Boys Under 13s event at the British Junior Open 2018 in Birmingham (3 - 7 January). Unfortunately, Jamie's first match was against a seeded Egyptian player.

Soon after that was the Welsh Junior Closed 2018 at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff (19 - 21 January).
For this event, Jamie was joined by his brother, Will Silvester, together with Josh and Lewis Davies.

Such events provide a tremendous challenge and experience to our younger players.

Josh takes the Welsh Crown

Huge congratulations to Josh Davies who took the 2018 Welsh Junior Closed Championships in Cardiff (20 - 21 January). Josh was playing in the Boys Under 13 Event - a tremendous result for Josh and North Wales Junior Squash

The good news continued - Lewis Davies was Runner-up in the Boys Under 11s Event; with Jamie Silvester finishing in Fourth Place.
In the Boys Under 15s Event, Will Silvester finished in Fourth Place.
Layna Beattie was Runner-up in the Girls Under 19 Event.

These were excellent results for all of our local players.

Josh is Welsh Champion

Layna - Runner-up

Lewis - Runner-up

A first in Club's history !

On 23 January, there was an historic first when the new North East Wales Fourth Team comprised entirely of junior players, played in the senior leagues [Division 3].

Congratulations and well played to Will & Jamie Silvester, Thomas Koscinski, Lewis Davies and David Thomas - they also went on to win their match 4-1 against Beaufort Park Seconds.

February 2018

2018 North Wales Junior Open

Four of our juniors took part in the 2018 North Wales Junior Open in Bangor University (10 - 11 February); Josh Davies, Will Silvester (Boys Under 15s), Jamie Silvester (Boys Under 13s) and Lewis Davies (Boys Under 11s).

Results:
Lewis is Champion of the Boys Under 11s event;
Jamie finished 4th;
Josh was 4th and Will came 6th.
Congratulations boys !.

Lewis is North Wales Champion

New Area Performance Centre starts

Only four juniors were able to take part in a first North East Wales Area Performance Centre session at the Club on 17 February.

This latest series of APCs will all take place at the Squash Club, aiming to offer development for up to eight to juniors from Wrexham and Deeside, who should benefit from the additional coaching.

New NE Wales APC starts

March 2018

Coming up during March ...

This was a busy month, starting on 10 March with a WSRB Development Event at the Club which brings together juniors from Clubs across the region to play in matches that are graded to ability.

The following week, 17 March, sees the Club hosting the second in the series North East Wales Area Performance Centre, this offers development for up to eight to juniors from Wrexham and Deeside, who should benefit from the additional coaching.

Development Event at Club

We hosted a WSRB Development Event at the Club on 10 March and, despite some late withdrawals, we were treated to some excellent games from juniors across Mid and North Wales. It was a graded event with an emphasis on matchplay and enjoyment.

Development Event players

North-Mid Wales Juniors League

A North-Mid Wales Juniors League was held at the Club on 17 March with juniors representing Clubs from Newtown, Llanfyllin, Deeside and Wrexham playing some very competitive matches.

Two stars of the Juniors League

April 2018

Leaders Award

A number of our Juniors were invited to take part in a WSRB Leaders Award hosted by the Club on Saturday, 7 April.

The Award is a great introduction for young people into activity leadership, it's designed to provide them with knowledge on how to organise and lead small games and activities which may be used as a part of a club's sports sessions.
The Award also helped participants to reflect on leadership styles and techniques, as well setting clear, achievable goals for self-development.

From the Club's perspective, we hope it may also lead some to consider taking a UKCC Level 1 Coaching Award.

The day course was run on behalf of Wales Squash & Racketball by their High Performance Coach, Andrew Evans.

WSRB Leaders Award at Club

Back from France

Congratulations to Jamie Silvester (Under 13s) and Josh Davies (Under 15s) on their part in the Welsh Teams' Bronze Medals at the 5 Nations Tournament in Nantes, France over the Easter holidays. A great experience for both and, we hope, the first of many selections for Wales !

Jamie with his Bronze Medal

Josh with his Bronze Medal

Juniors League Finals

Well done to all players who took part in the 2017-18 North / Mid Wales Juniors League Finals, played at the Club on 14 April.

Teams from Deeside, Llanfyllin, Newtown and Wrexham played some excellent squash on this Finals Day with some interesting results. Winners overall were Newtown, with Wrexham Brymbo Firsts as Runners Up.

A new initiative this year, it is designed to encourage development through play and competition with other Clubs in the region. Our thanks to all parents for their great support.

Players from across the Region

Runners Up - Wrexham Brymbo 1

League winners - Newtown

May 2018

NE Wales APC final session

Five players took part in the final Area Performance Centre session at the Club on 12 May, working on their discipline of shot, particularly to a length.

These sessions have been designed as additional training for players from Deeside and Wrexham and we hope to start them again next season.

Final APC of season

Looking to the future ...

In a bid to secure an increase in participation with local juniors, Mark & Jim visited two local primary schools with our Mini Squash Experience.

It was a long day on 14 May with 80 pupils attending at The Park CP School, Llay in the morning and a further 27 pupils from Penygelli CP School, Coedpoeth in the afternoon (followed by our regular coaching session at the Club that evening !).

Mini Squash at The Park (Llay) CP pupils

Mini Squash at Penygelli CP

June 2018

Junior Coaching starts again

Following the half term break, we started up again on 4 June, with the coaching programme set to continue through to the Summer break, with a final session on 16 July.

July 2018

St Joseph's Activity Day

As part of the St Joseph's School Activity Day, on 6th July, the Club offered coaching to eight boys across a mix of Year groups. They were accompanied by Club Member, Tom Trueman.

Our thanks to coaches Hannah Davies and Jim Tunley for giving up their time on this hot July day !

St Joseph's School Activity Day

Josh & Jamie get their Welsh Caps

Huge congratulations to Josh Davies and Jamie Silvester on being presented with their Welsh Caps, having represented Wales in the 5 Nations Tournament in Nantes, France earlier this year.

Jamie with his first Welsh Cap

Josh with his second Welsh Cap

End of term for Juniors

On 16 July, the 2017-18 coaching programme was completed with juniors taking part in some competative games.

Next season's coaching sessions were scheduled to start up on Monday, 10 September.

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

August 2018

Pre-Season event

In anticipation of a new season starting in September, five of our juniors were able to join in a pre-season session of games and routines on 21 August.

Pre-Season 2018

September 2018

A new season starts ...

A new season of squash - coaching and teams - commences again this September. Junior coaching starts on Monday, 10 September with teams later in the month.

This year, we encouraged some of our juniors to develop their game experience and feature in North Wales League matches.

Josh, Will & Jamie play at WJO

We sent our best wishes to Josh Davies, Will & Jamie Silvester who travelled down to Cardiff over the weekend 7-9 September to play in the 2018 Karakal Welsh Junior Open (a European Event).

Jamie featured in the Boys Under 13s, while both Will and Josh took part in a tough Boys Under 15s event.

UPDATE:
Jamie finished in 16th place;
Josh in 9th, and
Will in 12th place.

Moreton Hall pupils meet Nick

On 15 September, pupils from Moreton Hall School met former World Champion, Nick Matthew, at Shrewsbury Squash Club, as part of his round UK tour.

Pupils from the School, near Chirk, have a weekly squash training session at the Club, with their teacher, Hannah Davies.

Meeting Nick Matthew

October 2018

Birthday win for Will

Congratulations to Will Silvester who, on his 14th Birthday, won his debut match in the North West Counties League.

Playing for our Third Team v. Neston 2, Will beat his opponent 3-0.

Winning ways for Will

North - Mid Wales Juniors

The second round of North - Mid Wales Juniors League took place at the Club on 27 October, with players from as far as Bethesda and Newtown taking part.

Matches were played in a great spirit and the developmental improvements clear for all to see.

October Juniors League

Local players at British Junior Championships

The 2018 Dunlop British Junior Championships was held in Nottinghamon from 26 - 28 October, with four local players participating.

Josh Davies, Layna Beattie, Ryan and Dan Lewis all gained some fantastic experience in their respective categories over the weekend.

November 2018

Junior Inter Counties

Well played to all of our juniors who represented North East Wales at the English Junior Inter Counties Competition on 18 November in Manchester.

We had two teams taking part at the Sports City and The Northern Club, as follows:-
Under 13s - Lewis Davies, Jamie Silvester, Tom Willis, Kieran Sievers, plus Joe Morris (Llanfyllin).
Under 17s - Rhys Evans (Aberystwyth), Dan Lewis, James Smith (Llanfyllin), Josh Davies and Will Silvester.

Both teams did really well and we hope they all enjoyed the experience.

NE Wales Under 13s

NE Wales Under 17s

First time at Sports City for Kieran !

Tight ball for Tom at Sports City

Lewis on court at Sports City

Jamie on court at Sports City

Juniors do well at Silver Event

Several juniors who play at the Club were at the Pontefract Junior Open in Cardiff over the weekend 23-25 November.

This was an England Squash Silver Event, which meant that most of the top juniors in the country were there.

Here's how they got on:-
Girls Under 19s - Layna Beattie finished in 5th place;
Boys Under 17s James Smith finished in 12th place:
Boys Under 15s Dan Lewis came 4th, and
Josh Davies was 12th.
Well done all players.

Silver Event for Josh

December 2018

North - Mid Wales Juniors League

In the final series of matches this year, we had an excellent day of competition in the North-Mid Wales Juniors League, held at Brymbo on 1 December.

Teams from as far as Caernarvon, Newtown, Llanfyllin, Moreton Hall and Wrexham took part in some hard fought games; well done to all of those players.

Juniors League players

It's Gold for Layna and Silver for brothers ...

Congratulations to Club players taking who took the honours at the South Wales Junior Open over the weekend 1-2 December.

Layna Beattie became Champion in the Girls Under 19s Event
Josh Davies was Runner-up in the Boys Under 15s, and
Lewis Davies was Runner-up in the Boys Under 13s Event.
Well done to all players.

Layna is Champion

Brothers take the Silver

Juniors Christmas Tournament

Our annual festive event, the Juniors Christmas Tournament took place on 17 December.

A good the final session before the Christmas and New Year break - excellent squash and chocolate !

The coaching programme commences again on Monday, 7 January 2019.

Christmas Group 1

Christmas Group 2

Christmas Group 3

Safeguarding ...

Child Safety & Equity

The Squash Club fully supports and welcomes the work of its National Governing Body, Wales Squash & Racketball in the area of child safety and, as such, members and parents may be interested to see the WSRB Safeguarding Policy & Procedures in Squash document.

"Child Safety - Our Priority"

Eye Protection - our Policy

At the start of another season and a new Junior Coaching Programme, it is important for everyone to understand the Club's approach to Eye Protection - a policy which is also adopted by Wales Squash & Racketball (WSRB).

To view our policy click on the link below.

Eye Protection - the Policy

Calling all potential coaches . . .

Do you have what it takes to become a qualified squash coach - if so, your Club needs you!

If any Club member has an interest in committing to become a qualified coach, the Squash Club may be able to assist with necessary fees and mentoring.
Please contact either Mark Davies or Jim Tunley to learn more.