Posted By John Greenwood
Dear all
I am writing to you as an introduction, as I agreed to undertake the role of KSRA Chair at the last AGM in June. One of my main aims is to improve communications and engage squash clubs under one umbrella within Kent. There’s some excellent work being undertaken both known and unknown, so going forward I feel it’s vitally important to promote all relevant information and success stories within our region. The newsletter is only one part of the jigsaw in starting to share information, as I recall the late Bob Hoskins once said “It’s good to talk”, so let’s try to discuss things in calls, emails, or texts and upmost like each others social media channels because this will inevitably be the next generations preference.
No doubt the database will require updating with relevant contact details, so hopefully this newsletter has arrived to the correct person? If not, could you please email John Greenwood with details of the designated person who shouts loudest and is good at disseminating information to all club members – john.greenwood@kent-squash.co.uk
When 6 out of 10 is excellent!
To kick off with a good news story one of our annual successes continues to be the county junior development. Steve Franks and his team of coaches continue to reap rewards from their dedicated efforts and the England Squash Academy pathways for schools is seeing an abundance of growth in both East and North Kent. After an enthralling Inter Counties Competition, (ICC), across the weekend of 17/18th November in Brighton, Sussex six of our ten teams have made it through to the ICC Finals to be held the end of February in Nottinghamshire.
Only last month saw ten of our U11 to U19, boys and girls teams contest an enthralling Inter Counties Championship, (ICC), Stage 1 South in Brighton, Sussex. Last years U11 boys were eventually crowned National champions and those same three boys this year moved into the U13 team to qualify again, (no mean achievement), and the U13 girls beat strong competition to top their group. Overall six teams have made it through to contest the ICC National Finals to be held the end of February in Nottinghamshire: U11, U13, U15 and U17 boys along with U13 and U17 girls. At present those teams all rank top 8 in the country and have a strong chance of improving on this in the New Year.
School Academies to Club Links
This month saw the start of the Area Mini Squash Festivals, which for some juniors were their
introduction to squash while in year 4 at Primary school. These Festivals are held across Kent and link schools to local squash clubs to form school Academies, which then feed into the club then county. It has got over 500 new juniors playing squash around the county over the last 4 years, so we are hoping this seasons festivals will add to that figure! If anyone knows of a school that may be interested please email Steve Franks – elsteveo969@hotmail.co.uk
Phoenix from the Flames
Next month sees the earlier than scheduled reopening of Dover Sport Centre at its’ new location in Whitfield. The £26 million overhaul thankfully with the assistance of England Squash, (ES), includes two new glass back squash courts. Gloria Riley, Dover Squash Chair said ‘The new courts are eagerly anticipated as players look forward to glass back courts, built in seating, under floor heating and a cosy spot with no thorough fare. We have received the full backing of Places for People who have employed a squash coach, to encourage courses in junior and adult development. The centre management have also kindly agreed to be affiliated to ES allowing the club the opportunity to return to full participation in KSRA activities. It is now our responsibility as a club to look to the future and increase participation and introduce Dover to the challenges and fun racketball and squash can offer’.
By signing up for ES affiliation it provides many additional benefits for every individual club member in the form of PL and accident insurances, free Squash Levels membership, a host of coaching masterclass videos along with discounts on holidays, squash tickets and online sport stores. If your club has paid these fees then it’s essential members know to activate their individual ES accounts otherwise they’re missing out. Once logged in the ‘benefits and resources’ page link can be found under the personal dashboard list menu.
Coaches – DBS, Safeguarding and First Aid
England Squash require all club and county coaches to be up to date with three pieces of paperwork – DBS, Safeguarding and First Aid qualifications. It is the individual coaches responsibility to make sure each of these are renewed every three years and appear on their personal account on the ES website. Please scan and email proof of documentation to:
kevin.Stewart@englandsquash.com
Due to unforeseen personal reasons I will no longer be able to continue as Chair come next AGM. I have tabled the notion that anyone wishing to undertake this role should formulate a mandate to be put to an official vote. On this point I urge more clubs to be involved with this meeting and to send at least one representative. Aside being an opportunity to have your say on important decisions and of course share ideas, the trophies for the winning summer and winter teams are also presented.
Lastly, on behalf of all the KSRA committee I wish you all the best for this festive period and the New Year ahead.
Baz Hodson
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