Every Saturday during school term, the BSRA welcomes almost 60 juniors to the Barbados Squash Club courts for their weekly Junior Squash sessions. The sessions start at midday and continue till 4 pm with classes catering to beginners, intermediate level and advanced juniors.
This ever-growing participation at the junior level is a most exciting statistic, especially since stalwarts of the game are getting no younger. The “passing of the torch” is an important process that is now guaranteed by the active participation of juniors who exude a new-born passion for the game, a passion sure to encourage their peers to play also.
The coaching is undertaken by Richard Walcott with assistance from several volunteers, keen squash players who are giving back to the game by donating time to junior development. Many of the volunteer coaches have had training from Canadian coach, Rene Denis. Having trained coaches has improved the overall quality of coaching, with kids learning more in a shorter space of time while maintaining a structured and disciplined environment. Special mention goes to our head coach: Richard Walcott, who continues to dedicate himself to the growth of the game with a strong focus on development of junior players.
Apart from teaching the skills and fitness of squash, the BSRA Junior Program offers so much more to kids in the way of personal development and self confidence. A parent will occasionally mention to me how their child is now doing so much better in school since they started attending the program, or that their ‘shy and quiet’ child has suddenly become confident and outspoken.
These success stories are what motivate us coaches to keep volunteering our time and effort each weekend. Andy Gill, a volunteer in the program, speaks for us all in saying “it is a pleasure to help kids learn the art of squash, the game that has helped us along in life too.”
A round of applause for those who come out to help: Richard Walcott, Andrea Goodridge, Andy Gill, Craig Archer, Kristina Evelyn, Shawn Simpson, Adrian Deane, Karen Hogarth, Marlon White, Jonathan Foster and others. More help is always needed and new volunteer coaches would be warmly welcomed!
For further information on the program please call Kristina Evelyn (437-2121) or Richard Walcott (437-1089).
