The application window for season 2024/25 is now closed.
About the Squad
The Under 23 Academy squad will be based and run in a professional environment, with 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 13 to under 23.
- Top player in your age group in Scotland, dedicated to developing in the sport and is achieving positive results at events outside of Scotland.
- U19 players compete in Scottish Junior Golds/Nationals, Scottish Junior Open and othermajor junior events outside of Scotland. Where appropriate also play U23 Nationals and Senior Golds.
- U23 players compete in U23 Nationals, Senior Golds/Nationals and other major events outside of Scotland.
- Demonstrate key performance behaviours, including – but not limited to – hard work, commitment and respect.
- Have a personal coach who you see regularly.
- 8+ hours a week towards training for squash.
- 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 [31st October – 3rd November October 2024]. This event is self-funded by the players.
- Squad T-shirt
Venue
Oriam, Scotland’s National Performance Centre, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
Dates 2024/25
- Squad 1: Thursday – Friday, October 17th – 18th 2024 (Midterm) [2 DAYS]
- Squad 2: Saturday Nov 30th 2024
- Squad 3: Saturday Jan 25th 2025
- Squad 4: Saturday March 1st 2025
- Squad 5: Thursday – Friday, April 10th – 11th 2025 (Easter Holidays) [2 DAYS]
- Squad 6: Saturday June 7th 2025
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 2024/25 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.
