December Competitions Update – a positive look forward to 2021

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic Scottish Squash unfortunately had to suspend the national competitions pathway at all levels in September this year, through until January 1st, 2021 at the earliest.

We recognise this has been a major blow to players, coaches and clubs across the sport.

Fortunately, with the relaxation of some restrictions, mainly for those aged under-18, we have been able to introduce and launch a new level of competition sanctioning, BounceBack.

We have been delighted to link with clubs such as Edinburgh Sports Club, Grange Squash Club, Inverness Tennis & Squash Club and Newlands Lawn Tennis Club who have seized the opportunity to promote squash to Under-18s and use BounceBack to re-connect with and inspire young squash players.

We are working hard to bring back the national competitions pathway at all levels as early as possible. However with many of Scotland’s local authorities under different restrictions, challenges are still likely to exist during the early period of 2021.

Nevertheless we’re pleased to share that BounceBack sanctioned competitions will continue to run until such time that we can reinstate the full competitions pathway. We will continue to monitor this and provide appropriate updates in the New Year.

BounceBack sanctioned competitions focus on encouraging players back to competitive squash under no pressure of international selection or ranking points.

We have had some extremely positive feedback from players, coaches and clubs and we would encourage you to read an interview with Simon Boughton (Edinburgh Sports Club Head Coach) who organised the very first BounceBack competition.

As and when local protection levels permit, BounceBack sanctioned competitions will be encouraged in the senior and masters game.

Should your club or region wish to organise and run a BounceBack competition, please click here for further information.

As we move into what is normally the second half of the squash season we begin to approach key competitions such as the four National Championships (junior, under-23, senior and masters).

We understand the importance of these competitions and the value in which competing for a national title means to many players of all ages. Taking this into account the team at Scottish Squash are extremely keen to make sure these events take place in 2021 to allow national titles to be awarded.

Although it’s unlikely these competitions will take place in their normal position in the calendar we will work hard to confirm them as soon as possible, so please do keep checking our media channels.

Further details regarding representative events are still unknown at this stage and again updates will be provided when available.

2020 has been an extremely challenging year for competitive squash but as we move into 2021 we are looking forward to re-building the competitions portfolio with the many competition organisers, referees and volunteers who give up so much time to deliver a great range of competitive squash for players across Scotland.

Exciting plans continue to develop for two major events which aim to take place in 2021. We would encourage you to take a look at the official event websites for the 2021 Springfield Scottish Squash Open and European Masters Championships which will take place in Inverness and Edinburgh respectively.