13/05/2021
PSA Launches Grant Scheme
PSA Launches Grant Scheme to Help Return of
International PSA Challenger Tour Events
The Professional Squash Association (PSA) has launched its new grant
scheme designed to increase the amount of international tournaments on
the PSA Challenger Tour as the association looks to combat the effects
of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PSA has awarded over 15 grants totalling $55,000 to tournaments from
nine countries, which will herald the return of international events on
the PSA Challenger Tour. Until last month’s HCL SRFI Indian Tour -
Chennai Leg 1, the Challenger Tour had been limited to domestic events
since the initial six-month suspension of the PSA Tour between March -
September, 2020 due to challenges resulting from the global pandemic.
The PSA grant scheme allows promoters to apply for up to $2,500 per
division for international Challenger Tour 30 events and below which can
be used towards operational costs or prize money.
“The global COVID-19 pandemic has had a big impact on the PSA Challenger
Tour and we believe that our new grant scheme will give some much-needed
support to tournament promoters as we look to create a thriving
professional circuit,” said PSA Chief Executive Alex Gough.
“Creating greater playing and earning opportunities for our players
lower down the rankings has been a key objective for us since before the
pandemic and the outlook for international Challenger Tour events is
looking very positive.
“I’d like to thank our tournament promoters for engaging with us
throughout this process and we look forward to working with them as we
bring about the return of international events on the Challenger Tour.”
The Springfield Scottish Squash Open - scheduled to take place in
September in Inverness - is one of the tournaments that will benefit
from the grant scheme, and tournament promoter Allan McKay said: "We're
very grateful that the PSA is further supporting the 2021 Springfield
Scottish Squash Open with this grant. As we build up to September's
event, the additional funding will go a long way towards ensuring we can
give players and spectators alike the best possible squash experience
and help grow our sport across the Highlands.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a real impact across squash and sporting
events, which is undoubtedly going to add increased costs to ensure the
safety of everyone involved. The additional support from the PSA will
ensure we can maximise safety measures should spectators be permitted
come September.”
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