Aimee and Finlay eye Island Games success as squash set for Orkney showcase
Excitement is building as Orkney gears up to host The Island Games in 2025, with squash set to be contested for the fifth time in the history of the event.
Members at Kirkwall Squash And Racketball Club, based at the island’s Pickaquoy Centre, are particularly excited at the prospect of the games, and the impact it could have on the sport in the island.
With teams yet to be announced, healthy competition for places is underway.
Hoping to lead the charge are Finlay Scott and Aimee Drever, Men’s and Women’s Champions respectively at the island club.
Both believe that hosting the event could provide a springboard for their favourite sport, and maybe boost chances of medal success.
“It’s going to bring a great buzz to the island”
Having first picked up a racket at secondary school, 29 year-old Aimee would relish the chance to compete in a home games.
With five spaces in the team and more interested in playing, she is taking nothing for granted.
Aimee said: “If I’m selected to play, I hope I can play my best squash and we’ve definitely got an advantage with it being a home Island Games with no travel and getting to slepp in your own bed at night.”
Looking at the next generation of squash players, Aimee sees a group of young players enjoying the sport, with regular coaching sessions at the club, with potential to grow further.
Aimee added: “The Island Games in Orkney probably isn’t going to happen again for a long time, maybe never again.
“It’s going to bring a great buzz to the island and hopefully it will boost the sport because there’s not many lassies who play squash at the moment.
“If you ask a lot of young kids what squash is, they might not know, so hopefully the ones that watch it will think about giving it a go.”
“I’ll do everything I can to get a medal”
Finlay Scott is no stranger to The Island Games, or top-level squash, having competed in Gibraltar five years ago.
Aged just 16 at the time, he loved that experience, but this time he hopes to achieve more.
Finlay said: “I’m hoping to get on the medal podium, obviously it all depends on what happens leading up to it, but I’ll do everything I can to get a medal.
“Last time we just lost out to the bronze medal winners, so hopefully this time we can make it happen, and my big hopes for a medal are in the individual event.”
The squash ace started playing eleven years ago, and has seen peaks and troughs in participation over the years.
Finlay added: “If we do well, hopefully that will get more young ones into the club and encourage some former players back to the club.”
Orkney ready to welcome the world
Aimee and Finlay, along with thousands of athletes from across the globe, will be sure of a friendly welcome and great backing from those on the island.
Both players spoke of the strong sense of community, which is sure to provide an extra edge to the local athletes.
Finlay explained: “The island has a real family feel to it, everybody is really close, always speaking to each other, and you don’t go past people without saying hello.
“The support from our friends and family will definitely help boost us on, and hopefully that will help us perform better.”
Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles will compete in The Orkney Island Games which will run from July 12th to July 18th 2025.
