Scottish Squash serves for lottery award
Tuesday 27th January 2004
sportscotland is delighted to announce further support to the development of junior talent with an of £41,200 to Scottish Squash. The investment comes from the Lottery Fund’s Junior Groups Programme, which provides talented young athletes in a range of sports with the opportunity, to participate in a co-ordinated programme of training and competition.
Under the professional guidance and expertise of Performance Coach Paul Frank, Scottish Squash will use their award to adopt a more proactive approach towards improving the structural development of the game. The award will be split between two programmes, the Scottish Squash Academy and National Junior High Performance Programme (HPP).
Currently in its fifth year, the Scottish Squash Academy provides promising young athletes between 11 and 18 years of age with a variety services, including specialised coaching, appropriate competition opportunities and in depth sports science and medicine support. Competition for places is very intense and qualification is based on several selection criteria including technical ability, potential and commitment to perform at the highest level.
For players who have not reached the standards required for selection to the Academy but are in contention for representative honours, the HPP has been designed to act as a second tier programme. HPP players are fed from regional and district squads to help create a player pathway for youngsters to progress on from a junior to senior level. The programme will be squad-based and includes the same aspect of player development as the Academy, although the time commitment will be proportionately less. There will be eight sessions a year at various venues, six one-day squads and three weekend camps.
Paul Frank Performance Director said: “ Scottish Squash recognises the need to continue to develop and improve performance planning for preparation and participation in major events and looks forward to nurturing talented athletes who can make an impact on a World, European and Commonwealth stage.”
Alastair Dempster, Chairman of sportscotland said: “sportscotland’s vision to bring a greater range of sporting opportunities to Scotland and acknowledge the need for continued support and management of our young sports stars at an early stage is vital for the future. We are building a foundation to extend the number of athletes who can represent our country on the world stage.”
- The Junior Groups Programme provides support to groups of talented young people participating in a co-ordinated programme of coaching and competitive events over a minimum period of six months
- Those eligible to apply for support are governing bodies of sports through the National Programme and local authorities through the Regional Programme
- Applications for the following costs are considered for funding: facility hire, coaching fees, accommodation, travel, equipment and competition entry fees.