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WOW! Radio speaks volumes of what WLTSC offers!

by | Sep 11, 2022 | Community Events, News - General

WOW! Radio speaks volumes of what WLTSC offers!

WOW! Did you hear Sports Manager Marc Hughes on Radio WM, speaking with Natalie Graham on #wellbeingwednesday last month?

The importance of personal wellbeing was discussed, not only coming from playing squash &, racketball, tennis; working out in the gym or taking part in one of the numerous gym/spin classes on offer at WLTSC, but also from the social benefits of the community of like-minded people coming together, often making life-long friendships. Listen from 1.33 to hear the full 10minutes.

The interview came about after recent successes of some of the tennis juniors and seniors at Wimbledon tournaments during August; with a member entering the 060 men’s singles (quite an achievement), Marc winning the ITF O55 British Grass Court Doubles Championships with his partner, and some juniors competing in Play your way to Wimbledon resulting in a win in the U14 boys event and another reaching the final 16 in their category– ones to watch in the future!

We offer an extensive junior squash & tennis programmes and whichever sport a junior chooses to play, they will be taught by qualified and enthusiastic coaches. Marc explained that it isn’t just sporting skills that develop here, but also confidence in social interactions and team-work that sport provides juniors with.

He also commented that we now have previous juniors representing WLTSC in teams and external leagues, which is lovely to see and shows our current juniors what they can achieve. We hope that the #squashstars course will inspire the next generation of Commonwealth medallists – we are still excited to have watched squash be showcased during the #B2022 – catch up with our last blog for more details if you missed it.

The interview wasn’t all about elite sport, but also the numerous beginner’s squash & racketball, and beginner’s tennis courses that are on offer. These courses are designed to give those that come along all the racket skills they need to enjoy the sport and play games with others, helping fitness and wellbeing. For those that have played before, there is Rusty Rackets for returning tennis players and Skills & Drills for squash & racketball.

Although we are entering Autumn/Winter season, we do not stop! We have an extensive programme of squash, tennis, gym, fitness; social events in our bar & restaurant and our member walk for fun. We will also be welcoming England Squash Karakal Midlands Masters 2022-23 tournament in November.

For existing squash players who fancy testing themselves, entries close Friday 21st October so you could come and compete on one of our 6 courts! Our members and friends are looking forward to watching top class squash during this weekend – there is something for everyone here at WLTSC!

As we move into what is predicted to be a tough winter, the warm environment provided to all members, is something we are very proud to offer, not only in temperature but also in the friendships and sense of family that our member testimonials confirm, we provide. Get in touch if you would like to join our community.

Junior Squash Camps

by | Sep 10, 2022 | Squash News

Junior Squash Camps

A huge congratulations to everyone who has participated in our first half term squash camp! There was a great turn out, many fun activities and every individual has made superb progress. it was a brilliant experience for us all!

Also a massive well done to the coaches: Michael Harris, Tom Pryor and Tanita Patel, who made this event as amazing as it was.

We run squash camps during the school holidays for children aged 5 – 17years. Their time with us is guaranteed to be fun while enjoying learning a new sport!

  • For our squash mini’s (beginners & U8yrs) we run a morning only session.
  • For our Junior Pro & Elite (Improvers) we welcome them from 9.30-3.30pm (times subject to change – enquire at booking) or they can choose to only join for a half day.

Contact Mike Harris for more information mike.harris@wltsc.com or contact the club

Squash Stars

by | Aug 18, 2022 | Community Events, Squash News

Squash Stars

WOW what an experience I had at Birmingham 2022. I’d never been to a multi-sport event and to be a part of it has totally blown me away.

I had so much fun, inspiring, and entertaining so many young people, families, and squash fans. I truly hope the work I and the Squash United team, along with my wife AKA Mrs Squash did, and will continue to do, will eventually show in increased participation at clubs and sports centres and most importantly here at WLTSC.

I’ve had many highlights in my career as a player and coach but to get the greatest squash player of all time Jahangir Khan, along with Mohamed El Shorbagy, current World No.5, former World No.1 and World Champion on the Mini Squash Court was such a special moment and one I will never forget.

Gina Kennedy, the first English woman to win a Commonwealth Games Singles Gold Medal, also joined me on the Mini Squash Court to play the squash fans (along with her gold medal). Almost the whole England team joined me on the Mini Court as well as competitors from many of the nations, which was brilliant for all the fans.

It was so wonderful to see Declan James, who came to support the Birmingham 2022 Roadshow here at WLTSC, win a Commonwealth Games Men’s Doubles Gold Medal. I was so delighted for him but also for the whole of England Squash Team, winning 6 medals overall.

I’ve had the privilege to coach almost every player on this team, at Junior National Squads when I was an England High Performance Coach. What made it even more special, a few players now have children, and I had the chance to play them on the Mini Squash Court, I had so much fun.

I’ve always believed the Mini Squash Court would be a success and it truly has been. At the Birmingham 2022 Squash venue, we engaged with over 10,000 fans. As well as the main site, I put up Mini Squash Courts at Birmingham 2022 Regional Festival sites in Castle Vale, Yardley, and Ward End, where my team of volunteers and coaches delivered squash to hundreds of people each day.

On Tuesday the day after Birmingham 2022 officially ended, I put up a Mini Squash Court in an extremely deprived area in Birmingham at a Youth Project in Lozells to give the young people the opportunity to try Squash for the first time. The work I’m doing doesn’t end here, I will continue to champion the game of squash and go out and inspire people of all ages, to take up the game or get them back onto court. I want to continue taking squash to the people and now the real work really begins here at WLTSC.

Squash Stars begins Wednesday 14th September – a 6 week programme for juniors 5-11yrs of age and includes a bag, racket, goggles and T-shirt for total of £42. Non-members welcome.

We will start a beginners #squash & racketball (Squash 57) course from Monday 5th September  – see timetable for details or get in touch to find out more or discuss individual coaching opportunities – 01902 755265

I hope to see you at the courts soon

Mike Harris aka Mr Squash!