West Squash Impress with Emerging Junior Talent at Fun-Filled Inter-Regional Championships

The Junior Inter-Regional Championships once again delivered a fantastic start-of-season atmosphere last weekend, as 20 teams of juniors from across Scotland competed in five age categories. Over 95 players made their way to Scotland’s National Performance Centre at Oriam, Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh) to put their talents on display at the major hub of Scottish sport.

The weekend featured a host of exciting matches among Scotland’s rising stars from Central, West, Highlands & Islands, Grampian and East. Amongst those making an impression at the annual team championships were the U13s Central team coached by James Dougan. The young squad, made up of players from Bridge of Allan and Dollar Squash Club, recorded 4 wins in the age group to finish on a category-winning 50 points. Four teams from East of Scotland also proudly achieved runners-up medals with huge support from crowds of friends and family looking on.

However, the standout overall performers of the event were the West of Scotland teams, led by head coach Martin Woods. West recorded an impressive four wins, in the Under 11, 15, 17 and 19 age categories, as well as a runners-up finish in the U13s, firmly making their mark at the national centre and showcasing the emerging talent being nurtured in the West region.

View the full results from the tournament here.

Team Spirit and Support

Coach Martin Woods, who has overseen West squash development over the past 15 years, expressed his pride in the team’s performance and reflected on creating a positive environment for growth.

‘I’ve always felt that the Inter-Regionals is a very special tournament that brings players, coaches, clubs and regions together in a very unique way. Every year is like no other, and it creates memories not only for each and every junior that plays, but also the parents and coaches that are involved.

‘I’m absolutely delighted with this year’s performance from our West juniors. None of the results would have been possible without the individual coaches and players working hard to improve in their clubs, the parents who tirelessly support their children’s development, and our regional West Squash Coaching Programme.’

 

Player of the Year

Within the West squad was 15-year-old Murdo Mackenzie, who again impressed with his power and tactical play, registering two wins at Inter-Regionals for his West side, playing at U17s first string. After a stellar season 2023-24 which saw him selected to represent Scotland in the U17 and U19 European Championships, Murdo also achieved a semi-final at the British Junior Championships 2023, a top 16 finish in the British Junior Open 2024 and a runner-up medal at the Scottish Junior National Championships (BU19).

Alongside an U17s winners medal, Murdo was surprised at the presentation ceremony with the 2023-24 Junior Player of the Year award. He reflected to Scottish Squash on his recent performances and the tournament’s impact.

“Inter-Regionals was a great weekend with lots of great matches to watch and it’s one of my favourite events to start off the season,’ said Murdo. ‘It’s great to mix with players from all over Scotland. It was also fantastic to get the trophy with my West team who put up a very strong performance all weekend. Being presented with the Junior Player of the Year award was a huge surprise and I was thrilled to get this after a very good last season.

‘I’m looking forward to this season, playing National League and Division One West league, along with plenty of Scottish and European tournaments. I’m very excited for these challenges ahead!’

Looking Ahead 

With the annual team event now behind them, the juniors will regroup in their regional support networks and begin preparing for the individual events, where they hope to capitalise on their competitive momentum. “It was a great event to bring the kids back into squash after the summer break, hopefully providing them with a springboard to get them ready for the season,” said Coach Martin Woods. “Across all the regions, the effort and behaviour from the players was exceptional, and the team spirit from every region was fantastic to watch! Thanks to Philip and the team at Scottish Squash for doing another sterling job running the event!”

A promising season lies ahead for the juniors, with several players looking to make an impression at the upcoming British Junior Championships and the JC Lindsay Scottish Junior Open 2024. Performances at the Inter-Regionals were a positive sign, and Scottish Squash wish the players well translating their team success into personal achievement.

If you missed any of the action on our media channels, you can check out the full results here on SportyHQ, and photos and media from the tournament via the Scottish Squash Facebook and Instagram pages.

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