| Squash In The COVID-19 Crisis |
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 These are incredibly difficult times for everyone and especially those of us who love Squash. At England Squash Masters we have tried to keep in touch with all our partners in the game as well as the players who have given the Masters such terrific support for the last 16 years.
From conversations with Keir Worth, Chief Executive of England Squash we know that Squash has fortunately been grouped with other indoor sports such as badminton, indoor tennis and table tennis in spite of the enclosed nature of our game. They are part of a group who make representations to the Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Sport England who formulate guidelines.
Sport overall has been given a special dispensation as can be seen by decisions concerning sport as opposed to the hospitality industry. However, they received a very strong message that Tier 3 would be close to lockdown with a minimum of contacts between households. We are awaiting a decision regarding sociallly distanced coaching.
Tier 2 obviously allows for drills / sides in ‘bubbles’ and solo hitting as well as socially distanced coaching. So, some improvement there. England Squash tend to get some criticism but this is not fair. They can only make representations and hope to influence the Guidelines that then come back from Sport England and the Department of Culture Media and Sport.
As Keir said to me, “I can assure you that we are working as hard as we can with other sports, Sport England and the DCMS to safeguard Squash as best we possibly can.”
Keep safe and well, everyone. Keep playing. Better times ahead!
Stuart Hardy
Chairman
Courtesy of David Banks Cartoons
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| England Squash Masters Strava Group |
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 As disappointing as it is that we are back in lockdown, ESM is still looking for ways to help our players keep fit and stay in touch with each other. Strava is a popular application which can be used to keep track of many fitness activities, as well as organising events and keeping in contact with friends. For our players who use Strava, we have created an England Squash Masters Strava Group which users can join and share their training activities. Please have a look and let us know how you are keeping fit through this winter!
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| European Masters Individual Championships 2021 |
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 Congratulations to Edinburgh Sports Club and Oriam, Scotlands Sports Performance Centre, who have been jointly selected to host the European Masters Individual Championships to be held from 16th to 19th June, 2021. Scotland Squash have published the following announcement.
EDINBURGH TO HOST 2021 EUROPEAN MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Scottish Squash is delighted to announce that it has been successful in its bid to host the 2021 European Masters Championships. The tournament is one of the most popular and well attended events in the squash calendar, traditionally attracting hundreds of players from all across Europe. We’re also pleased to confirm today that Edinburgh Sports Club (ESC) and Oriam; Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, are host venues for next year’s championships – which will take place from 16 to 19 June. The 2021 European Masters Championships will provide a stern challenge for competitors on court and allow players the unique opportunity to reunite with continental friends, whilst experiencing the culture of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.
Scottish Squash Chief Executive, Maggie Still, said: “Scottish Squash is thrilled to have been successful in our bid to deliver the 2021 European Masters Championships. We want to showcase the fantastic health benefits and lifelong participation opportunities that squash can offer and this event will help to deliver our vision – Squash the Healthy Sport. The strategy aims to provide relevant and enjoyable competitions for all and in this case we very much look forward to welcoming some world-leading players to Scotland. Edinburgh is a beautiful city which will provide an excellent environment in which to compete and there will be plenty of other attractions to keep players busy during their visit.”
Oriam Executive Director, Ross Campbell, said: “Oriam have a positive history of hosting Scottish Squash events and we are delighted to be able to host the European Masters Championships in 2021. As a facility it’s always a pleasure to work with the Scottish Squash team and we’re pleased that we can showcase our facility to competitors from across Europe. With a turbulent year throughout 2020 this event will be something to look forward to.”
ESC Club Manager, Jonathan Tait, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Scottish Squash again by hosting the 2021 European Masters Championships and look forward to welcoming the best Masters players from Europe to compete in what will be a fantastic tournament.”
Naturally there will be challenges which lie ahead as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but should government restrictions permit Scottish Squash is confident of delivering an excellent event in a safe environment.
Maggie Still said: “The Scottish Squash team of staff and volunteers will be constantly monitoring the ever-changing nature of the pandemic to make sure the correct decisions are made over the coming months to keep everyone safe and well. So we look forward with hope and excitement at being able to welcome players to Edinburgh for this prestigious event.”
A dedicated event website will be going live soon where you will find regular updates on the 2021 European Masters Championships. |
| Regional Tournaments 2020-2021 |
We know most of you are keen if not slightly desperate to return to playing our game, be reassured that ESM are constantly reviewing future options and keeping in touch with possible host clubs.
We are aiming to offer players at least a partial schedule of masters tournaments in the coming season as soon as Government guidance allows the return of larger group events.
Please check this homepage for any updates.
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| 2020 Home Internationals Postponed |
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Earlier this week Ireland decided in the light of Coronavirus issues to postpone the Home International scheduled for April this year in Galway.
After a discussion between Stuart Hardy, ESM Chairman, and the other home country organisers it was decided that the most sensible option was to postpone all Home Internationals at this time with a view to rescheduling these events later
in the year. We will post more information regarding the revised dates when they are decided.
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