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You
will no doubt be aware that Ron Worrell, our Committee Secretary
recently stood down from the junior committee for medical
reasons. This came as a surprise and a shock to all involved in
the Junior Committee. As you all know Ron Worrell has been the
guiding light of Herts Junior Squash for over 15 years and
recently he has been taken seriously ill. Our thoughts and
prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Over the past twelve months the Junior Committee has
concentrated on introducing Squash to juniors across the county
and we continue to invest in running squash taster sessions at
various clubs & schools. The results of this work has been seen
most clearly from the increase in the numbers of girls that
entered the Herts County Closed this year.
Last years County Closed event had 131 entrants across all age
groups, this year we had 147 in just the age groups 13-19. The
number of boys entering held steady year on year and the girls
increased mainly in the U15 & U17 age groups. The U9 & U11
categories was very well attended so much so we may have to run
over a full weekend next year. Total revenue generated from
County closed event was £1,900.00 (provisional figures)
We had significant success in the Inter County Championships
with the Boys U17 team winning the title for the first time in
many years. The success was all the sweeter as they had to beat
the number 1 seeds (Essex) in the qualifying stages and then the
number 2 seeds (Derbyshire) in the final. Other finalists
included the Boys U19 and Girls U15 teams, however, neither
managed to emulate the boys U17 success. This year we have great
hopes with boys U15, U17 & U19 and the Girls U15 teams looking
very strong contenders. Training for the senior age groups was
provided by Adam Fuller at Berkhamsted Squash club, Adam also
helped out Julian & Steve out with some of the junior age groups
at Radlett. Total costs of Inter County related activities was
£1,545.00.
Individuals are doing very well across all age groups most
notably Grace Gear in the girls U13 (and now U15) age group,
Grace is the current English Champion winning the title in
Surrey earlier this year. Major players in the junior section
who are looking for success in the upcoming British
Championships are Brogan Lane U19, Laurence Green U15, Grace
Gear U15, Rose Luscombe U13, Angus Gillams U17, Harry Faulkner
U19, Joe Green U19, Josh Ryan U19, Tim Richards U15, Jay & Owen
Ledger U11/U13 and Hasnaat Farooqi U13.
The junior committee are looking to arrange a second County
Tournament in January this year most probably a Graded
Tournament, this tournament will hopefully be held away from the
normal venues of Nuffield, Berkhampstead and Bishops Stortford
in order to promote the sport beyond its usual strongholds. Due
to Rons illness plans are still just that, however we hope to
pick this up in the coming weeks. Income from the event is
expected to be in the region of £500, lower than expected due to
limited numbers and timing as the next slot available on the
England Squash calendar is early January (Ski season,
pre-school, post xmas and clash with British Open).
Inter Club competition, again due to Rons illness we have
delayed the start of this years competition, however, this will
be starting in earnest in November with entry forms going our
w/c 17/10. We have made contact with the organisers of the
Senior leagues to see if we can make use of the Nine-Nil web
system to manage/administer the leagues and ranking tables. If
we cannot make use of the seniors licence then the junior
committee will be investing in similar software/licence. Worst
case scenario we expect the total investment cost to be in the
region of £1000 per annum.
If the senior committee would like someone to attend the next
meeting please advise dates and I or Stefan will be more than
happy to attend.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions
concerning the above.
Kind Regards,
Tazafar Asghar
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