Focus on player wellbeing key to Coach of the Year’s philosophy
Having started helping out at sessions at just ten years old, Matt Bedwell has been involved in squash coaching for as long as he can remember.
Fast forward to 2023, and Matt was named Coach of the Year at the Scottish Squash Annual Awards, recognising his contribution to the game.
At 27 years-old, Matt has significant coaching experience under his belt from his time at Strathclyde University, Hamilton Squash and Racketball Club and Newlands Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, where he is currently Head Squash Coach.
Matt said: “Newlands is a good fit for me, the staff and committee are great, and I enjoy the time I get to spend with them and the players.
“We’re bringing lots of new faces to squash, by attracting young adults, building a strong junior programme and offering sessions to existing players to make sure that everyone enjoys their squash.”
More recently, Matt has joined the West Squash committee as Tournament Convener, and is now turning an eye to how he can play a role in developing squash across the region.
Key to his philosophy in everything he does, is seeing those he coaches as people, not just squash players.
This was recognised in several of the nominations received from the players coached by Matt.
He reflects: “I really enjoy spending time with people and learning about them, finding out how they are doing and how their week is going.
“It really helps me with my coaching because I can adapt sessions when I know how they are feeling going into it.
“It’s great seeing people develop their squash skills, but it can be just as important to make sure they’re doing okay off the court too.”
It has been a great year for Newlands, with the club having hosted last season’s Alba Storm home matches in the Premier Squash League, as well as the Senior National Championship.
The young coach has seen the buzz that these events have created at the club, both with members and for the community around the club.
With an eye to the future, Matt hopes to build on the success of recent years by continuing to grow the number of members, and the offering to those members at the club.
Matt said: “I would love to carry on all the great work which is happening at Newlands, and there’s also potential for us to do more.
“The junior programme is something I’m really keen to continue to deliver and strengthen because it takes a while for junior players to come through the stages.
With close to 70 players a week – from five years old to 50 and beyond – learning under the tutelage of Matt, his impact on squash in Scotland is sure to be felt both in the short term and in the years to come.
Thank you to Glenstone Wealth Management (formerly Daniele Tuveri Financial Solutions) who sponsored the Coach of the Year Award 2023. Thank you also to The Fitness Group for their Headline Sponsorship of the 2023 Annual Awards.
