A Unique US Junior Squash Weekend
by Nick-at-Will

November 12, 2013 - Seven U.S. Squash regions - and cities within those regions, will host 122 male and female junior squash-players from all over the United States in the U13, U15 and U17 age-groups at Regional Squad squash sessions being held over the weekend of November 16th and/or the 17th...depending on the region.

Following up on the successful Regional Squad sessions hosted in six regions this past spring, the initiative aims to support the development of junior players and create pathways to representing the U.S. in international competition. The first meetings in each of seven regions this season will take place this-coming weekend.

The host clubs, cities and head coaches conducting these Junior Squad training sessions include: The University Club of Chicago/Chicago, Mark Heather head coach; The Pacific Sports Resort/Redwood City, Gareth Webber head coach; Chelsea Piers Squash Club/Stamford, Natalie Grainger head coach; Meadow Mill Athletic Club/Baltimore, Alex Stait head coach; Milton Academy/Milton, MA; S.L. Green Properties/New York, Gilly Lane head coach; Drexel University/Philadelphia, Scott Devoy head coach.

Each of the Squad training sessions will include the following: On court training drills, routines and match play; Fitness testing to collect data and evaluate physical improvement over time and for future squad sessions; Video analysis...evaluating professional matches, identifying strengths/weaknesses of opponents and devising appropriate game and match-play strategies.

Regular development Squad training will continue to take place in each region in order to extend the reach of the National Team program - and draw from the broadest base of talent. The program will increase access to the National Team experience regionally - and develop an elite player continuum from juniors, to college players, to adults and possibly to become professional players.

By creating these Squads, players will develop a "Team USA" dynamic...where they will work together in order to represent their country and continue to raise the standard of squash in America. The next two Squad weekends will take place in January and May of 2014.