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The seeds for the next generation of squash were sown this week as lucky pupils from across Manchester watched the world’s best descend on Manchester for the AJ Bell PSA World Championships.
Over 80 local schoolgirls and boys were given a fun taste of the sport at the National Squash Centre at Sport City in a bid to inspire them to take up a racket.
The initiative saw pupils from across the city including Crosslee Primary and Cavendish Primary School in attendance.
Kids as young as eight had the opportuninty to watch some qualifying action before heading into the indoor arena and serve up some fun.
??? "I love playing squash, I want to be a professional when I grow up. We have lots of fun here. My friend Jack is better than me, he got 60 in a rally. I only got 30 but I'm trying to beat him!"
— England Squash (@englandsr) December 8, 2017
- Cory aged 8 on playing #squash at the World Championships schools initiative?? pic.twitter.com/lO3wk70GgF
“I love playing squash, it’s really fun,” said Cory, 8, from Crosslee Primary School on his third visit to the centre.
“We go on trips everywhere and write about what we do, how we feel.
“I want to be a professional when I grow up!”
Helped by coaches from the Manchester Squash Academy, the children were enthused and had no trouble showing their competitive spirit.
The session even saw the speed of their hardest stroke measured and teams raced in teams balancing the ball on the racket and against nets in pairs, and rallying battles in pairs.
Cory wanted to better the score of his friend Jack, but realised teamwork was the best way of keeping a rally going.
“You have to work together,” he said.
“You have to hit the ball close to where they are or they can’t get it.
“If you hit it too hard it goes past them and if you hit it too soft it’s too close.”
All three schools were lucky enough to meet some of the stars.
Evan Williams, the New Zealand No.3 popped in for chat and was quizzed by the enthusiastic youngsters on their favourite shot and even his childhood inspiration.
The centre had scores of schoolkids in for the National Championships earlier in the year.
Matt Sidaway, head coach at the Manchester Squash Academy, oversaw the sessions at both tournaments and hailed the event as a success. Sidaway said,
“We’re working hard on legacy and trying to introduce squash to as many kids in the area as we can.”
“It’s very important for us to get schools in, learning the rules and talking about squash.
“There’s nothing better than having the best in the world in the same building so it’s great to see the kids chatting to them.
“It’s really rewarding to see them enjoy themselves and then want to come back and play again.”
