England Squash launches new coaching programme to
get more kids playing
England
Squash has launched a digital coaching resource to engage children
as young as five playing squash.
Junior 101 is a free coaching resource for England Squash coaching
members and affiliated clubs, designed by coaches for coaches to
facilitate quality delivery in schools, clubs and communities across
the country.
Whether in a sports hall or squash court, coaches can create and
deliver tailored sessions to children aged 5-11 whatever their
ability, using ‘pick and mix’ activity cards.
Featuring striking visuals and clear instructions, the activity
cards provide an introductory activity, specific skill development
exercise and final fun game with clear learning outcomes aligned to
key stage 1 and 2 of the national curriculum.
Mark Williams, Director of Partnerships and Programmes at England
Squash said, “Junior 101 forms part of our new junior player pathway
which encourages more children of all abilities to pick up a racket
and develop their game on and off court.
“Inspired by our beginners’ programme Squash 101, the aim is to help
coaches and clubs introduce more children through fun, competitive,
group activities that develop play and physical skills. The
programme is easy to use and provides great value to coaches, clubs
and schools and could help them inspire a new generation of
players.”
Mark Toseland, County Chair of Gloucestershire Squash Association
said, “We used Junior 101 as part of a pilot project alongside the
university and our partners to engage more than 2,500 children in
our schools programme in Gloucestershire. With the Junior 101
activity cards, we could create quick and easy sessions to engage
and develop the children in all aspects of play. We’re looking
forward to the next release of activity cards.”
The first set of coaching resources can now be accessed online at
www.englandsquash.com/junior101 . More activity cards targeted
at 5-11 and 11-16 year olds will follow in the coming months.
