England Squash News

England Squash Helps Revitalise Bramhall Facility

The role of a sport's governing body has been brought into sharp focus with the revelation that England Squash has helped turn the potential loss of courts in Bramhall, Cheshire, into a brand new facility which boasts the most state-of-the-art courts in the North West.

Late last year the two courts at Bramhall Recreation Centre were threatened with closure.  But following negotiations between England Squash, Bramhall High School, Stockport Sports Trust and loyal squash players at the centre, the courts have been completely replaced - meeting the needs of both the school and local squash players.

The old courts were completely demolished and are now the newest and most modern courts in the North West.  The project was completed by leading international court supplier ASB, and includes a movable wall structure allowing the school also to use the space as a dance studio during school time. The courts are competition standard with glass back walls and a viewing gallery.

Bramhall Recreation Centre launches its brand new public facility on Friday (8 April) by hosting "An Evening of Squash with Nick Taylor".  The former England international retired from the world professional circuit last year after 12 years, having reached No3 in England and 14 in the world rankings.  Also taking part will be sisters, 12-year-old Evie West and 15-year-old Kirsty West, both of whom are Cheshire county junior players and also pupils at Bramhall High School.  

A comprehensive squash programme has been set up jointly between Stockport Sports Trust and England Squash with an emphasis on attracting juniors to the game, as they are the future lifeblood of squash.  A programme of coaching for both junior and adults starts on Saturday 9th April.  The junior programme includes "Unsquashable Minisquash" which is aimed at 5-to-11 year olds.  Minisquash offers an ideal introduction to the sport.  This exciting game fits the needs of younger children and is played using specialised equipment designed to help children achieve maximum success.

John Gibson, the England Squash Area Manager for the North West, says:  "Squash has a long standing history for being one of England's most successful sports, which was recently recognised when Sport England nominated squash as one of its top ten priority sports.  It's so important for kids to be supported at grass roots level, so encouraging their talent to be developed properly.  We are very pleased to be associated with the junior squash development programme at the centre.

"This is a unique collaboration which could be the model for others all over the country - where single-use facilities are converted into dual-purpose ones which provide both high quality courts to fulfil the needs of squash enthusiasts, as well as - at the touch of a button - a larger area which has more general use, such as a dance or aerobics studio," added Gibson.

Erin O'Brien, Group Manager of Stockport Sports Trust, commented:  "It is a very exciting time for everyone.  The new courts will undoubtedly encourage young and old alike to 'have a go' at squash.  With a comprehensive programme of coaching in place, Bramhall now has an outstanding squash venue which ranks with the best in the North West."

The launch evening will feature an exhibition match, demonstrations and taster sessions for newcomers as well as seasoned squash enthusiasts.  The evening is open to anyone who would like to come down and try their hand at the game, view the new courts and have a bit of funÂ….it promises to be an entertaining night for everyone.

The exhibition will start at 7.30 pm and finish at about 9 pm.  Nick will be going through some basic moves of squash, giving some insights into the training regimes of the professionals and doing some demo games. There will be light refreshments provided and soft drinks.  Members of the school and the board of governors have been invited, along with some of the councillors involved with getting the courts reinstated.  The evening is open to everyone.

Trevor Hatchett, an active member of the 'Save the Squash Courts Campaign' added:  "The squash players at Bramhall Recreation Centre are absolutely delighted with the two new glass-back squash courts. The new courts are a huge improvement, and the state-of-the-art facilities now offer a superb player experience.  We are very, very, grateful to Bramhall High School's Head Teacher John Peckham, and the school's Governors.  Both the school and the players benefit: the school now has access to a splendid new space for teaching Dance and Drama, and the players have probably the best squash courts in the locality."