About the Squad

The Under 23 Academy squad will be based and run in a professional environment, with our senior players training in the sessions when available. There will be much greater court availability, so players are able to work and practice without restrictions. The players involved in the squad should be aspiring to become full–time senior athletes in the future, or training at a level which would give them the opportunity to do so. This will be the perfect opportunity for players to build all the necessary skills to be a top squash player in a highly supportive and quality coaching environment.

This is a mixed squad for both U23 and junior players. Players will be expected to be self-reliant in their squash progress, but will be given all the resources and information needed to be successful. The Scottish Squash Pathway Manager & Coach will work with the player’s individual coaches to support player development.

If you sign up to the squad, the expectation is that you will make every effort to attend all the squad day. If you can’t attend a squad day, you should let the Scottish Squash Pathway Manager & Coach (Kylie Lindsay) know as far in advance as possible. 

Squad Criteria

• For players aged under 23. 
• U19 players compete in Scottish Junior Golds, Scottish Junior Open and other major junior events outside of Scotland. Where appropriate also play U23 Nationals and Senior Golds. 
• U23 players compete in U23 Nationals, Senior Golds and other major events outside of Scotland. 
• Demonstrate key performance behaviours, including – but not limited to – hard work, commitment and respect. 
• Attends regular training sessions with their coach. 
• Showing promise and enthusiasm for the sport. 
• Application supported and endorsed by the player’s coach.

What’s Included?

• There will be 8 squad days throughout the season and the squad will be mixed male and female. 
• Typically, 4 x Saturdays, plus 2 x 2 days back-to-back (6 hrs per day) 
• Communication from the Lead Coach with individual coaches/parents to give feedback on the squad and their players.
• Possibility of joining travelling squad for British Junior Championships [26 – 29 October 2023]. This event is self-funded by the players. 
• Squad T-shirt 
• Discounted season membership to SquashSkills 
• Scottish representative opportunities during the season (teams chosen from results at selection events over the season):
  • Five Nations Team Championships
  • European U15/17 Team Championships  
  • European U19 Team Championships 
  • Senior European Team Championships  

Venue

Oriam, Scotland’s National Performance Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

Dates 2023/24  

• Squad 1: Thursday 19th & Friday 20th October 2023 (Midterm) [2 DAYS] 
• Squad 2: Saturday Dec 16th 2023 
• Squad 3: Saturday Jan 27th 2024 
• Squad 4: Saturday March 2nd 2024 
• Squad 5: Thursday 11th & Friday 12th April 2024 (Easter Holidays) [2 DAYS] 
• Squad 6: Saturday June 15th 2024 

Squad days will take place from 10am – 4pm.

Cost

The cost is £250.00 per season.

U23 Academy ‘Away Fee’ Information

• Players either attending university or in full-time employment are permitted to request an ‘away fee’ to be part of the U23 Academy, offered at the discretion of Scottish Squash, which will allow the individual to remain in the Scottish Squash Performance Pathway Programme.  
• The cost of the ‘away fee’ is £120.00. 
• The ‘away fee’ provides the opportunity to attend up to four (out of eight) U23 Academy squad days.  
• The ‘away fee’ must be requested and approved by Scottish Squash at the start of the season, before the first squad day. 

How to Apply

Applications for the Under 23 Academy for season 2023/24 are now closed. Mid-season applications may be accepted depending on performance, contact kylie.lindsay@scottishsquash.org for more information.

• Applications need to be supported and endorsed by the player’s coach. Our Pathway Manager Kylie Lindsay will ask for feedback from the players individual, club or regional coach to assist any selections. 
• Selection is also based on performances and results in Scottish Junior Golds, Scottish Junior Open, U23 Nationals, Senior Golds and major events outside of Scotland from last season.