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arrow pointing leftBack 12 September 17 - by Donna Helmer

Birmingham revealed as host city for British Junior Open

Birmingham has won the right to host the British Junior Open (BJO) for the next three years - the first time the city has staged the prestigious squash tournament in its 92-year history.

The flagship event, which attracts more than 400 of the world’s finest juniors from over 30 nations, will be staged at the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Priory Club, Solihull Arden Club and West Warwickshire Sports Club from 3-7 January 2018 until 2020.

Gregg Cropper, Competitions and Events Manager at England Squash said,

"Following a rigorous bidding process, Birmingham has won the right to host the BJO for the next three years.

"The city’s strong track record of delivering major sporting events coupled with its vibrant, multi-cultural atmosphere will help ensure a successful tournament.

"We look forward to working closely with our partners to deliver a world-class junior event."

Zena Wooldridge, OBE, Director of Sport at the University of Birmingham said, "Following the success of the World Masters Championships in Birmingham in 2012, we're delighted to be back in partnership with Edgbaston Priory, Solihull Arden and West Warwickshire clubs to host the British Junior Open. We're very aware of the unique heritage and profile of the BJO, and we're excited that Birmingham, and the fantastic new facilities we now have will provide a fabulous experience for the best young players from across the world. It's an exciting opportunity and we can't wait to welcome everyone to Birmingham in the new year."

Mike Edwards, Head of Squash at Edgbaston Priory Club said, “As host for the prestigious pre-Wimbledon warm up tournament for the world’s top players, we have over 30 years’ experience working with a range of stakeholders to deliver successful world class events. We’re delighted to be playing our part in staging the British Junior Open here in Birmingham and welcoming all these fantastic young players to our city and our club.”

Chris Ryder, Head Coach at Solihull Arden Club said, “We are looking forward to hosting the BJO and for several of our club juniors participating in the most prestigious junior event globally, while many others will learn from the presence of the world's best players.”

Robert Owen, Trustee of West Warwickshire Sports Club said, "West Warwickshire Sports Club is delighted to be chosen as one of the host clubs for the British Junior Open. We are thrilled Birmingham has been successful in its bid to stage the tournament. At our club, we place great emphasis on growing the next generation of sporting talent and relish the opportunity to host such a prestigious event at our facility."

Sheffield has hosted the competition since 1996, where international superstars including three-time world champion Nick Matthew, World No.1 Nour El Sherbini and World No.1 Gregory Gaultier have claimed the illustrious titles.

Gregg Cropper added, “On behalf of England Squash, I would like to thank Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club, Abbeydale Park Racquets and Fitness Club and Fulwood Sports Club, who have done an outstanding job of hosting the event in Sheffield for more than 20 years.”

For the first time in its history, the event will feature additional age categories, full monrad and live streaming.

Entries are now open to any nations wishing to compete in the 2018 championships (closes 16 October at 23:59).

English Entries

Non English Entries

Visit the official website at britishjunioropen.com to find out more about the event.