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arrow pointing leftBack 01 September 17 - by Donna Helmer

Introducing Junior 101 - our new coaching programme to engage more kids

England Squash has launched a digital coaching resource to engage children as young as five playing squash.

Junior 101 is a free online coaching resource for England Squash coaching members and affiliated clubs designed by coaches for coaches to facilitate quality delivery in schools, clubs and communities across the country.

Whether in a sports hall or squash court, coaches can create and deliver tailored sessions to children aged 5-11 whatever their ability, using ‘pick and mix’ activity cards.

Featuring striking visuals and clear instructions, the activity cards provide an introductory activity, specific skill development exercise and final fun game with clear learning outcomes aligned to key stage 1 and 2 of the national curriculum.

Mark Williams, Director of Partnerships and Programmes at England Squash said,

“Junior 101 forms part of our new junior player pathway which encourages more children of all abilities to pick up a racket and develop their game on and off court."

“Inspired by our beginners’ programme Squash 101, the aim is to help coaches and clubs introduce more children through fun, competitive, group activities that develop play and physical skills. The programme is easy to use and provides great value to coaches, clubs and schools and could help them inspire a new generation of players.”

Mark Toseland, County Chair of Gloucestershire Squash Association said, “We used Junior 101 as part of a pilot project alongside the university and our partners to engage more than 2500 children in our schools programme in Gloucestershire. With the Junior 101 activity cards, we could create quick and easy sessions to engage and develop the children in all aspects of play. We’re looking forward to the next release of activity cards.”

The first set of coaching resources can now be accessed online here. More activity cards targeted at 5-11 and 11-16 year olds will follow in the coming months.