England Squash launches Squash Girls Can Coach to develop female coaches

England Squash has unveiled a new female coach development initiative, Squash Girls Can Coach to advance and empower aspiring and existing female coaches.

The 12-month initiative, which launched today to coincide with Women’s Squash Week (23-29 September), will build on the success of the Squash Girls Can campaign to inspire and support women on their coaching journey.

Female coaches are currently under-represented in squash with just one in four being female. Squash Girls Can Coach will empower women to develop and excel in coaching through training and mentoring.

Mark Williams, Director of Sport at England Squash said: “Women are vastly under-represented in coaching and Squash Girls Can Coach is a fantastic opportunity to better understand the reasons behind the gender gap and to support and empower women on their coaching journey.

“We want to see more women in coaching roles and more women feeling empowered to get started and advance their coaching. We have engaged some of the finest coaches from around the country to help mentor and develop women to reach their full potential.”

Squash Girls Can Coach candidates will benefit from mentoring from specially selected coaches and tutors, as well as specific workshops including the business of coaching and confidence building.

High Performance Coach, Tania Bailey who heads up the initiative said: “I am absolutely delighted to be heading up this new initiative. I personally would have loved to have been part of a programme like this when I first began my coaching journey. Mentoring helps to build confidence and allows you to learn from others who have been there and done it.

“I have been fortunate enough to have had some fantastic mentors throughout my career as both a coach and a player, who have supported and guided me as well as challenged me to become a better and more independent coach.”

A number of England players and coaches including Sarah-Jane Perry, James Willstrop, Declan James, Paul Carter, Laura Massaro, Daryl Selby and Alison Waters have pledged their support for the campaign to help inspire more women to register their interest in the programme.

To find out more about the Squash Girls Can Coach programme and to apply visit: https://www.englandsquash.com/squashgirlscancoach