First-timers “buzzing” ahead of European Teams Championship
There will be new faces on court in the blue of Scotland as the country’s top squash stars prepare to take on the continent’s best in Uster next week.
The European Teams Championship gets underway on Wednesday 1st May, with four days of top squash action in store.
In the women’s event, Georgia Adderley, Alison Thomson and Katriona Ross form the majority of the squad, while Greg Lobban, Rory Stewart, Alasdair Prott and Martin Ross will compete in the men’s event.
Alongside those familiar faces Ellie Jones, John Meehan and Andrew Glen will make their senior debuts.
Reflecting on a first senior call-up, world number 255 John Meehan said: “I’m absolutely buzzing to have been selected, it’s been a goal of mine since I first played for Scotland as an under 13.
“I think everyone dreams of playing for the senior team so I am just so delighted to have been picked.”
Ellie Jones said: “I’m very excited and also really grateful for the opportunity to get my first Scotland cap.”
Fresh off a promotion at last year’s event, Scotland’s women are set to face a tough test as they face off with Europe’s squash elite.
Ellie said: “We haven’t spoken specifically about targets yet as a team, we are in Division 1 so we know that it will be tough.
“It’s a really great opportunity to play against some really top teams and players and just bring it to them and bring our best squash against players that myself and maybe a few of the other girls wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to play against.”
Scotland’s men, meanwhile, suffered relegation at last year’s event, and will aim to bounce back from Division 2 at the first time of asking.
John said: “We’re absolutely aiming to win the division, we know we need to be top two to get promoted but I think we’re more than good enough to compete at the highest level.”
The 22-year-old, who started playing at Strathgryffe Squash Club, has fully embraced his professional squash ambitions this season.
The young squash star has had a strong season, reaching quarter finals in the East Glos Open and Harrogate Open as well as the semi-final of the Oban Open in recent months.
He said: “This has been my first year on tour, so I’ve had lots of good experiences in Scotland and in different countries.
“I feel like I’m making improvements all the time – for example, I’ve added more attacking elements to my game – and that’s really starting to show.
“I’ve learned a lot in a short time and I look forward to continuing to develop and learn at the European Teams Championship.”
For Ellie, this is the beginning of what she hopes will be a successful international tenure representing Scotland, as she continues to make improvements on court.
She said: “I can’t wait for next week and I know it’s going to be such a good week, but I know it’s going to make me hungry for more.
“I’m desperate to get more and more caps under my belt for sure, and with the World Teams Championship every year there’s a great opportunity to do that.”
The ESF European Team Division 1 & 2 Squash Championships will run from Wednesday 1st May 2024 to Saturday 4th May 2024.
Keep an eye on Scottish Squash media channels for all the information you need to follow the team throughout the event.
