Scottish Squash Launch New Performance Pathway Programme
Scottish Squash are pleased to confirm details of the newly developed Performance Pathway Programme (PPP), launched for the 2023-24 season. The PPP provides players with the opportunity, within a national squad environment, to develop all areas of their game and supports them to improve and reach their potential. The programme consists of three squads: the Development Squad, the Under 23 Academy and the Elite Performance Squad.
The newly formed Development Squad and Under 23 Academy feature revised criteria and structure, replacing and revamping elements of the former Junior Excellence Programme. These two squads aim to support young players develop all areas of their game and to assist the transition from the junior to senior game.
The Elite Performance Squad will continue to support full-time and professional Scottish players, overseen by Scottish Squash Elite Performance Coach, Paul Bell.
Further details of the Performance Pathway Programme squads can be found below.
Development Squad
– Separate girls and boys squads for players aged 15 and under
This new squad is designed to guide young players through the process of developing all the necessary attributes required to reach their potential on the junior circuit. The programme will be holistic to develop all the necessary attributes a top junior squash player requires, with a strong focus on technical skills and tactical development, and coached at a level that all athletes involved will understand. There will be six weekend-based squad days, spread throughout Scotland, across the season.
- For full details, including information on the application process for season 2023-24, please visit the following webpage: Development Squad
Under 23 Academy
– One combined squad for boys and girls under the age of 23
This new academy, overseen by Pathway Manager and Coach Kylie Lindsay, is designed to support young players aspiring to become professional squash players in the future. 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. There will be eight squad days, all within Oriam, Scotland’s National Performance Centre at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, across the season.
- For full details, including information on the application process for season 2023-24, please visit the following webpage: Under 23 Academy
*PPP Information Forum* | Thursday 10th August, 2023, 19:00 – 20:00
Scottish Squash will be hosting an Information Forum for all parents/carers/players interested in finding out more information about the two new squads detailed above. The Information Forum will also provide parents/carers/players with a chance to ask any questions about the squads or the PPP.
To register for the Information Forum, please do so by completing the sign-up form.
Elite Performance Squad
– For full-time and professional athletes
The Elite Performance Squad is an established squad consisting of full-time and professional Scottish players, and forms as the third and most advanced squad within the Performance Pathway Programme. Overseen by Elite Performance Coach Paul Bell, the squad is for professional players basing themselves in Scotland while competing on the Professional Squash Association (PSA) World Tour. The squad train daily at Oriam, Scotland’s National Performance Centre at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, and are provided with world class coaching support, both from the Scottish Squash coaching team and the Scottish Institute of Sport.
For further information, see Elite Performance Squad.
Future Development
As part of the revamped PPP, and in line with its refreshed 2023-27 strategic plan, Scottish Squash are also committed to working with regions and clubs to review the player pathway. Throughout the strategy consultation period, there was a clear desire from stakeholders across Squash in Scotland to review the player pathway. This included a vision to create a clear and transparent player pathway, connecting local (club), regional (regional associations) and national (national governing body) expectations and responsibilities. It is envisaged that this pathway may look slightly different across each region, and Scottish Squash will shortly begin this review in conjunction with each regional association committee.
