Scotland’s squash community rallies to send Scottish juniors to World Championships in Australia

Scotland’s squash community has rallied together to raise funds to send some of the sport’s most promising young players to the Junior World Championships in Melbourne.

With the tournament taking place in Australia, there was a significant cost attached to the trip, with an initial fundraising target of £30,000.

With Scottish Squash’s strategic priorities and current investment being aligned to European level competition, Scotland’s squash community has united behind the cause.

The campaign has been backed by generous donations from individuals, clubs, regional associations and by a donation from the Official Footwear Supplier to Scottish Squash, SportsShoes.com.

Fundraising events have been held at squash venues in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Bridge of Allan.

A phenomenal £10,700 was raised at a fundraiser at Edinburgh Sports Club, with an auction and an exhibition match between Rory Stewart and Scotland’s second ranked junior, Rory Richmond.

The evening was organised by the parents of some of the young players that will make their way to Australia from 18th – 29th July this summer.

Adrian Richmond, who helped plan the event said: “We were genuinely blown away by the support we got from the whole squash community, and the sporting community in general.

“Even people that weren’t able to attend the event were so generous with donations of auction items and raffle prizes.

“It was a really fun evening, and we are really grateful to all of the sponsors that helped to make it possible, and helped us to raise such a significant sum towards the cost of the trip.”

On the same weekend an open competition was held at Grange Squash Club, with the proceeds donated to the fundraising campaign.

Scotstoun Squash Club held a doubles tournament, which was well attended and enjoyed by all, to further boost funds for the trip.

Over 70% of the initial target has now been raised, and Scotland’s young stars are set to book their ticket for a once in a lifetime opportunity to test themselves against the world’s best.

Scottish Squash President Paul Macari said: “It has been wonderful to see Scotland’s squash community pulling together to raise funds for the team to compete at the World Junior Squash Championships.

“With generous donations from individuals, clubs, regional associations and partners, the entirety of squash in Scotland has mobilised to help make the ambition of Scotland’s young players a reality.”

Squad selection

U19 Girls Team

Robyn McAlpine – Scotsoun Squash Club
Anna Halliday – Bridge of Allan Sports Club
Rowan Niven – Bridge of Allan Sports Club
Louisa Kaven – Whitecraigs Rugby Club

Individual Event

Rory Richmond – Edinburgh Sports Club
Finlay Halton – The Grange
Oliver Hunter – Bridge of Allan Sports Club
Natalie Main – Inverness Tennis and Squash Club

Scottish Squash Pathway Manager/Coach Kylie Lindsay said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for our U19 junior players to compete against some of the best players in the world.

“It will give them invaluable experience at the top level of junior squash and hopefully give them things they can take away and implement into their squash after the event.

“The parents and players have worked really hard fundraising for the event and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their efforts in helping to get our Scottish players to the World Championships and also to everyone who has donated or contributed in any way.”