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Squash: James Willstrop column MARCH 9
As someone who no longer looks, feels or is 18, I am increasingly fascinated by the development of the future stars of squash. I look back at my career and I am amazed at the constant process of learning which can never end.
I only have to walk into my club at Pontefract and there are kids with rackets, some of whom, I dare say, are just at the beginning of a fulfilling journey as a squash player.
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It is a journey which is tough and as with anything hard work is required – it isn't always as simple as "playing the sport you love".
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People have wistful ideas, but highs and lows, days of long hard training, nightmare losses and injuries are all part of the process.
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Not only is it about children with talent and commitment, but this talent only comes to fruition through supportive parents, friends and coaches who are willing to give time and money for them to develop at their chosen activity, all the while remaining measured and unpushy with their feedback.
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Talent is developed in countries very differently and some know how to do it far better than others. At junior level, Egypt are well ahead of any other nation.
Part of this can be put down to natural physical development and most of it to training methods which work.
In the US, squash is elitist and available primarily to rich children who aim to use it to put a foot in the door of a top university – this is why there is only one US player in the world's top 50.
American children pay top dollar for a squash lesson with the most exclusive coaches in clubs which have two-year waiting lists.
Kids in Egypt don't know what top dollar means. Like the kids in Pontefract, they hit balls and they play and they improve.
In New York I went with my dad to a club to help a foundation, "streetsquash", which aims to enable underprivileged kids to play squash – something that must be developed there.
On my return from the states I played matches in Dublin and Thornton and it was encouraging to see so many children so taken with the game.
It says to me that there are some important people doing understated but very important work in enabling youngsters to enjoy playing – and early too.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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