Junior Gold’s in Aberdeen sees young guns compete for top spot
After a quiet January, February hots up with a wealth of tournaments on the Scottish squash calendar. Next up is the much-anticipated Junior Gold Tournament at the Aberdeen Squash and Racketball Club between 5th-6th February.
Over 50 boys and girls from under-11 up to under-19 will compete for glory over two days at one of the most prestigious tournaments on the junior circuit. Scots entrants include highflyers Kyle Penman (U-19 boys) and Robyn McAlpine and Anna Halliday (U-19 girls).
Kyle, who trains at the Bridge of Allan Sports Club, is a former winner of the 2019 Welsh Junior Open. The right hander has been on top form this year, reaching the semi-finals of the British Junior U17 Nationals in January.
Kyle said: “Aberdeen Squash and Racketball Club is a special place for me as it was where I won my first under 13s nationals title and double national titles back in 2020. It will be an interesting weekend as this is one of the first major junior Scottish tournaments after Covid. There will be some tough opponents, but I can’t wait to get back on court and put the hard work into the matches.
I’m mainly training at Bridge of Allan Sports Club, as well as Oriam with some of the top Scottish senior players, which really enjoyable.
Doing three gym sessions and being on court 5-6 times a week can be tough, especially with all my schoolwork and prelims. But to be playing at the standard I am considering how busy school is, I couldn’t be any happier.
I’m hoping that everything opens up in 2022 as I would love to win the double national titles again. I would also like to compete in the under 17 and under 19 European team and individual championships, as well as the under 19s World Junior Team Championships.”
Anna has had a stellar career so far, with highlights including runner up at the U-15 Scottish Junior Championships and Irish Junior Open in 2020 and a hard fought third place at the Welsh Junior Open, while Robyn McAlpine is a former U13 Scottish Champion, reaching the quarter finals at the British Junior U17 Nationals this month.
Robyn said: “This tournament is special because it’s where I won the nationals, so I have good memories here. It’s also my first proper tournament back in Scotland and the first time I’ve competed at U19 level. At the British Junior championships I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform, so for this tournament I’m just going in to enjoy it and learn from the experience.
I have been involved in loads of competitive matches with the seniors at Western Health & Rackets Club which has really brought on my game. I have also been playing for Scotstoun in the west leagues which is a lot of fun.
Despite the difficulties of arranging games with senior players over Christmas and January, I’ve been training with a good group of juniors from the west which has helped improve my game. It’s great to push each other and be part of a training group.
For 2022, I’d like to compete on the European circuit, and see if I am able to compete with the top girls in my age group at that level. I’d also aiming to get over to America to play in the US Open and hopefully get picked to play for Scotland and continue competing with the top girls in Britain in my age group.”
