Scottish Squash Workforce Development Manager Kevin Moran has been reflecting on his seven years working with Scottish Squash as he heads for pastures new at the end of the week.

Kevin’s affiliation with the sport goes back over two decades, as a promising youngster and rising to the top of the Scottish game, and a high of 122 in the world.

Having represented Scotland at World and European Championships and in two Commonwealth Games, he continued to serve the sport after retiring as a professional player.

His first role with Scottish Squash was part-time, as East Regional Development Officer, becoming full-time East Regional Development Officer and Senior Performance Coach a year later, before taking on the role of Coaching and Competitions Manager before a slight tweak to his current role.

While he will continue to play the sport he loves, on a day-to-day basis Kevin will now be swapping the racket for wheels as he takes on a new role at Scottish Cycling.

What have you enjoyed most in your time working at Scottish Squash?

The people. It’s such a special community to be part of. The passion that everyone shares for wanting to see this special sport thrive is infectious and working with coaches, clubs and volunteers through the highs and lows has always been both challenging and extremely enjoyable.

What are the achievements you’re most proud of?

It’s hard to say, I’d probably go with getting the Thrive coach development programme off the ground. I’m a coach at heart and having been through a myriad of roles in the system, I know it can be a lonely place at times at times. Fostering an environment for this small community of coaches has been a real pleasure and I hope it continues!

What was your absolute highlight/fondest memory?

So many to be honest. If I had to choose one, I was lucky enough to be down in the front row to watch Greg and Rory win their bronze medal in Birmingham at the Commonwealth Games in 2022. That felt like the culmination of years of hard work by the players first and foremost, but you couldn’t help but think we’ve played a wee part in helping them get there. Embarrassingly, tears were shed.

With such a long connection to squash in Scotland, how does it feel to be moving on?

Bittersweet, I’ve really enjoyed my time with the organisation, but now feels like the right time and opportunity to fly the nest. That being said, I’ll still be involved in some capacity. I still plan on playing my league matches on a Wednesday night!

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

Everyone in the organisation for a start. It’s a small team, but I developed connections with everyone across the organisation. It’s been a great place to learn and grow and I genuinely feel like I’ve taken something away from each person I’ve worked with over the years. Secondly to the general squash community, it’s been great to work with such passionate people that give so much back to the sport!

Everyone at Scottish Squash would like to thank Kevin for his efforts over the years and wish him the best of luck in his new position.