Birmingham
revealed as host city for British Junior Open
Birmingham has won the right to host the British Junior Open (BJO)
for the next three years - the first time the city has staged the
prestigious squash tournament in its 92-year history.
The flagship event, which attracts more than 400 of the world’s
finest juniors from over 30 nations, will be staged at the
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston Priory Club, Solihull Arden Club
and West Warwickshire Sports Club from 3-7 January 2018 until 2020.
Gregg Cropper, Competitions and Events Manager at England Squash
said, “Following a rigorous bidding process, Birmingham has won the
right to host the BJO for the next three years. The city’s strong
track record of delivering major sporting events coupled with its
vibrant, multi-cultural atmosphere will help ensure a successful
tournament. We look forward to working closely with our partners to
deliver a world-class junior event.”
Zena Wooldridge, OBE, Director of Sport at the University of
Birmingham said, "Following the success of the World Masters
Championships in Birmingham in 2012, we're delighted to be back in
partnership with Edgbaston Priory, Solihull Arden and West
Warwickshire clubs to host the British Junior Open. We're very aware
of the unique heritage and profile of the BJO, and we're excited
that Birmingham, and the fantastic new facilities we now have will
provide a fabulous experience for the best young players from across
the world. It's an exciting opportunity and we can't wait to welcome
everyone to Birmingham in the new year."
Mike Edwards, Head of Squash at Edgbaston Priory Club said, “As host
for the prestigious pre-Wimbledon warm up tournament for the world’s
top players, we have over 30 years’ experience working with a range
of stakeholders to deliver successful world class events. We’re
delighted to be playing our part in staging the British Junior Open
here in Birmingham and welcoming all these fantastic young players
to our city and our club.”
Chris Ryder, Head Coach at Solihull Arden Club said, “We are looking
forward to hosting the BJO and for several of our club juniors
participating in the most prestigious junior event globally, while
many others will learn from the presence of the world's best
players.”
Robert Owen, Trustee of West Warwickshire Sports Club said, "West
Warwickshire Sports Club is delighted to be chosen as one of the
host clubs for the British Junior Open. We are thrilled Birmingham
has been successful in its bid to stage the tournament. At our club,
we place great emphasis on growing the next generation of sporting
talent and relish the opportunity to host such a prestigious event
at our facility."
Sheffield has hosted the competition since 1996, where international
superstars including three-time world champion Nick Matthew, World
No.1 Nour El Sherbini and World No.1 Gregory Gaultier have claimed
the illustrious titles.
Gregg Cropper added, “On behalf of England Squash, I would like to
thank Hallamshire Tennis and Squash Club, Abbeydale Park Racquets
and Fitness Club and Fulwood Sports Club, who have done an
outstanding job of hosting the event in Sheffield for more than 20
years.”
For the first time in its history, the event will feature additional
age categories, full monrad and live streaming.
