Scottish Squash Annual Awards 2023 shortlists announced
The Scottish Squash Annual Awards 2023 supported by Headline Sponsor The Fitness Group provide the perfect opportunity to celebrate the very best of Scotland’s squash community.
This year’s edition – a return to an in-person event after a seven year absence – promises to be an opportunity for Scotland’s squash community to re-connect, and recognise squash excellence.
From incredible performances – and medals at the very top – to incredible work in the community, and from a life-time of service, to great acts of sportsmanship, the standard of individuals on shortlists for the Scottish Squash Annual Awards 2023is very high.
With the exception of the Services to Squash Award, which has been won by the individual named below, one person from each of these shortlists will win the award in each of these categories.
Senior Player of the Year sponsored by Whites Travel / Squash Travel
Lisa Aitken
Lisa achieved her highest ever world ranking of 21 before participating in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham last year. Reaching the last 16 of a platinum event in Hong Kong was a great achievement, and representing Scotland at the World Teams Championship in Egypt and mentoring her younger teammates was highlighted in her nominations. In a season cut short by injury, Lisa achieved a lot.
Greg Lobban
Part of the team that secured Scotland’s first Commonwealth Games medal in almost 25 years, Greg also clinched the Scottish National Championship and represented Scotland’s national team with strong showings in representative events. Greg continues to be a great role model for Scotland’s young squash players, and always makes time for his fans.
Rory Stewart
Having starred alongside Greg in Scotland’s Commonwealth Games medal win, Rory also achieved a career high ranking of 46. With 3 PSA titles secured in this timeframe, Rory has had a strong year and continues to build a solid base to build on in the years to come.
Junior Player of the Year sponsored by Jim Hay
Robyn McAlpine
Robyn has had a historic year, as the first woman to win the Scottish under 17, under 19 and under23 National Championships in the same year. She has performed well at events across Europe, and made a winning debut in Scotland’s senior team in the European Teams Championship. Her resilience and sheer determination to continue to improve shone through in her nominations.
Kyle Penman
Having clinched the under 19 National Championship in his last year as a junior, along with strong performances at senior events, Kyle is a strong candidate for Junior Player of the Year. His commitment to developing the game, supporting young players at his club and being a positive role model for all was noted by those that nominated him.
Rory Richmond
Strong performance in Junior and Senior events both in Scotland and Europe are worthy of note this year. A strong 10th place at the British Junior Championship as well as win in the Portuguese Junior Open provided an excellent way for Rory to round off his Junior “career”.
Masters Player of the Year sponsored by iPROSPORTS
Paul Jenkins
Undefeated in the Masters Home Internationals 2023 and National Champion two years in a row, Paul captained his team to a fantastic second place in Edinburgh last year. Prodigious performances from Paul – and the rest of the team – against Ireland and Wales saw the home side achieve a strong finish against tough opposition.
Senga Macfie
Senga was part of the team that won the Masters Home Internationals for the second year in a row – where she was undefeated in all matches. She also pulled off an upset in the Senior National Championships, finishing second after a great run to the final. Senga now coaches, and her love for squash is clear to see in her nominations.
Ian Ross
Ian continues to shine on court as one of Scotland’s most successful Masters players. The highlight of his season was clinching the over 75 British Open earlier this year, which cemented his place as one of the best players in the world in his age-group.
Coach of the Year sponsored by Daniele Tuveri Financial Solutions
Matt Bedwell
With a strong focus on player wellbeing alongside improvement on court, Matt’s commitment to developing the squash skills but also the character of the juniors he coaches shone through. He has transformed the squash section at Newlands Squash Club, and has now joined the West committee to help drive squash in the region forward.
Malcolm Mackay
His dedication to coaching is second to none, and as one nomination said “what Malcolm doesn’t know about squash isn’t worth knowing.” He helped coach the Inverness team to the Women’s National League title, and coaches the junior regional squad and talented juniors from across the Highlands. Malcolm also puts a strong focus on coaching beginners, and makes an effort to welcome new players and make them feel part of the club.
Martin Woods
Martin’s strong connections with everyone that he coaches shone through in the nominations. A great person and a great squash coach with a desire to help everyone to reach their goals. Having grown the squash programme at two different venues, and driven the game forward as part of the West committee, Martin is well-liked by the players he works with, and well-remembered by those coached over the years.
Referee of the Year
Nik Adriana Daud
Having recently moved to Scotland to study, Nik Adriana Daud is an experienced official who has started to volunteer at squash events in Scotland this season, with a clear enthusiasm for the game. This has been balanced with her studies at Edinburgh University and playing a role in growing the Edinburgh University Squash Club by refereeing club events.
Steffan Gwyn
Steffan continued to take his refereeing to new heights in season 2022-23, with high profile games at the National level while also taking steps to referee European level events. His enthusiasm for the game, and pursuit of refereeing shines through. Steffan has also contributed to the development of the game through the Scottish Squash Young Ambassador Programme.
Allan Law
A staple of the Scottish refereeing team in recent years, and having volunteered at several events across the country this year, Allan’s commitment to refereeing is unquestionable. He has refereed Premier Squash League fixtures, the JC Lindsay Scottish Junior Open and National Championships with a strong focus on ensuring the rules are applied fairly.
Club of the Year sponsored by Melior Sports
Aberdeen University Squash Club
A year of great success on court saw Aberdeen University Squash Club winning Division 1 in the Grampian Leagues for the first time in 40 years. This was achieved alongside building a club with a welcoming atmosphere, and attracting new players to the game. A great act of sportsmanship saw the team agree to postpone their title decider following an outbreak of Covid which would have left their opponents weakened.
Inverness Tennis and Squash Club
The formation of the Inverness Red Kites has seen the club grow female participation with over 25 regular participants at the club’s sessions for women and girls. This buzz has spread across the city, with new members joining the club. This culminated with victory for the Women’s team in their first foray in the Women’s National League. With volunteers driving the continued growth to the club, nominations highlighted the positive atmosphere and bright future for the club.
Sutherland Squash Club
Having started almost from scratch, the club has grown its junior programme to over 70 participants in the space of a year. With visiting coaches, funding secured and a clear vision for the future of the club, they have also been able to increase senior participation at the club. Nominations highlighted the bright future for squash in Sutherland as a result of the work being carried out in Dornoch.
Services to Squash Award – Winner
Paul Charlton
With decades of involvement in the Grampian area, he has contributed his time to all roles – from player to competition organiser, referee to coach and everything else in between.
As one nomination put it: “It goes without saying that Scottish squash, and particularly squash in the North East, would be in a much poorer state were it not for his tireless and passionate commitment to the game over the years.
Congratulations Paul, and we look forward to celebrating your contributions at the Scottish Squash Annual Awards 2023!
Scottish Squash Chief Executive Maggie Still said: “The standard of nominations is exceptionally high this year, and it is great to see the shortlists packed with individuals that make great contributions to the continued development of squash in Scotland.
“The annual awards will give us a great opportunity – not only to celebrate the winners – but all of the individuals that help squash in Scotland to thrive and continue to go from strength to strength.
“Well done to all the nominees, and we are looking forward to a big celebration this October!”
Tickets for the Scottish Squash Annual Awards 2023 are on sale now and can be purchased on Eventbrite. Prices starting from just £33 per ticket, with discounts available for half tables of five or full tables of 10.
