| England Squash Masters Strava Group |
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.jpg) As disappointing as it is that we are back in lockdown, ESM is still looking for ways to help our players keep fit and stay in touch with each other. Strava is a popular application which can be used to keep track of many fitness activities, as well as organising events and keeping in contact with friends. For our players who use Strava, we have created an England Squash Masters Strava Group which users can join and share their training activities. Please have a look and let us know how you are keeping fit through this winter!
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| European Masters Individual Championships 2021 |
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 Congratulations to Edinburgh Sports Club and Oriam, Scotlands Sports Performance Centre, who have been jointly selected to host the European Masters Individual Championships to be held from 16th to 19th June, 2021. Scotland Squash have published the following announcement.
EDINBURGH TO HOST 2021 EUROPEAN MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Scottish Squash is delighted to announce that it has been successful in its bid to host the 2021 European Masters Championships. The tournament is one of the most popular and well attended events in the squash calendar, traditionally attracting hundreds of players from all across Europe. We’re also pleased to confirm today that Edinburgh Sports Club (ESC) and Oriam; Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, are host venues for next year’s championships – which will take place from 16 to 19 June. The 2021 European Masters Championships will provide a stern challenge for competitors on court and allow players the unique opportunity to reunite with continental friends, whilst experiencing the culture of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.
Scottish Squash Chief Executive, Maggie Still, said: “Scottish Squash is thrilled to have been successful in our bid to deliver the 2021 European Masters Championships. We want to showcase the fantastic health benefits and lifelong participation opportunities that squash can offer and this event will help to deliver our vision – Squash the Healthy Sport. The strategy aims to provide relevant and enjoyable competitions for all and in this case we very much look forward to welcoming some world-leading players to Scotland. Edinburgh is a beautiful city which will provide an excellent environment in which to compete and there will be plenty of other attractions to keep players busy during their visit.”
Oriam Executive Director, Ross Campbell, said: “Oriam have a positive history of hosting Scottish Squash events and we are delighted to be able to host the European Masters Championships in 2021. As a facility it’s always a pleasure to work with the Scottish Squash team and we’re pleased that we can showcase our facility to competitors from across Europe. With a turbulent year throughout 2020 this event will be something to look forward to.”
ESC Club Manager, Jonathan Tait, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Scottish Squash again by hosting the 2021 European Masters Championships and look forward to welcoming the best Masters players from Europe to compete in what will be a fantastic tournament.”
Naturally there will be challenges which lie ahead as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but should government restrictions permit Scottish Squash is confident of delivering an excellent event in a safe environment.
Maggie Still said: “The Scottish Squash team of staff and volunteers will be constantly monitoring the ever-changing nature of the pandemic to make sure the correct decisions are made over the coming months to keep everyone safe and well. So we look forward with hope and excitement at being able to welcome players to Edinburgh for this prestigious event.”
A dedicated event website will be going live soon where you will find regular updates on the 2021 European Masters Championships. |
| An Update From Our Chairman |
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Dear Squash Masters,
Strange times indeed!
I hope you are all well and finding some Squash in some shape and form. Whether it is just hitting, drills, the exciting ‘Sides’ game or playing in bubbles, it’s better than where we were when we couldn’t get on Court at all.
You probably know all the England Squash guidelines - available here and on their site, so all we can hope is that the virus decreases and our opportunities to play moves forward.
England Squash Masters have reluctantly written off 2020 as far as Squash events are concerned. We await developments to see whether anything can happen from January and we are prepared to arrange events if the situation allows.
We are also looking at the possibility of a National Championship in February and have spoken to the other countries regarding Masters Internationals from April. But all we can do is plan and hope that things improve. If the situation
allows, we are ready to go!
Meanwhile, keep well, keep fit and keep playing. We will get Squash back!
Stuart Hardy
Chairman
England Squash Masters
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| Return To Play - Update |
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Thankfully, we are all able to get back on the Squash Court, although still with some restrictions. We can now play actual games apart from within our own households! See the full guidance for players from England Squash (ES) for all details of the framework trhat will apply in phase 2 of the return to play plan. Please note that England Squash have clarified that protective eyewear is strongly recommended, as was their stance prior to the current restrictions, but is not obligatory when playing within a bubble. The full details of the England Squash phased return to play plan can be viewed here
Nick Sheppard
Secretary
England Squash Masters
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| European Squash Federation Masters Tour |
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The European Squash Federation have made the following announcement concerning the masters circuit events which are organised under their aegis. While this is a disappointing outcome, we at England Squash Masters are still committed to working with potential venues to bring back tournament squash as soon as practicable in a safe and secure environment in line with Goverment directives and England Squash guidelines.
Dear Masters Players,
Unfortunately due to COVID pandemic, the ESF board have cancelled the remaining circuit events for 2020. We are monitoring the situation in each MNF on a monthly basis - at present the majority of countries have only restricted access to squash and others await the reopening of indoor sports facilities.
As soon as public health & travel restrictions allow, we will restart our circuit events. Please check the ESF website for updates and you will receive further correspondence from me when we can resume our circuit events. I hope you remain healthy and are able to exercise in a satisfactory manner, even if squash remains out of reach for now.
Rosie Barry, Chairperson Masters Committee - 24th August 2020
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| Edward Winter - Rest in Peace |
Professor Edward Winter (Physiology of Exercise) at Sheffield Hallam University passed away recently at the age of 69yrs. Many racket sport players, including Nick Matthew, acknowledge the support that Ed gave them in their professional careers. A Yorkshire Squash player he was an enthusiastic supporter of the England Squash Masters Circuit and competed skilfully giving the top players in his age group a torrid time over the years.
Edward Winter was a very likeable man and very unassuming. To speak to him you would not realise that this was a man at the height of a distinguished profession. He had a history of some heart problems, but again, you would not know this when speaking about his latest battle on the court. He will be missed by many.
Stuart Hardy
Chairman
England Squash Masters
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| Return To Squash |
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The government announced on 9th July that indoor sporting facilities may be able to reopen as of the 25th July. England Squash have now published guidance for clubs and players on how to facilitate at least some level of return to court while adhering to the safety guidelines issued by the Government. Please check the England Squash website using the link below for more information and updates. https://www.englandsquash.com/backtosquash
This does give players the chance to hit a ball again, albeit not a full game other than with members of your household or those in your support bubble.
Let’s be positive even though we are going through unprecedented times, we can all try and get back on court and tune up the rusty old swing!
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| Regional Tournaments 2020-2021 |
We know most of you are keen if not slightly desperate to return to playing our game, be reassured that ESM are constantly reviewing future options and keeping in touch with possible host clubs.
We are aiming to offer players at least a partial schedule of masters tournaments in the coming season as soon as Government guidance allows the return of larger group events.
Please check this homepage for any updates.
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| 2020 Home Internationals Postponed |
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Earlier this week Ireland decided in the light of Coronavirus issues to postpone the Home International scheduled for April this year in Galway.
After a discussion between Stuart Hardy, ESM Chairman, and the other home country organisers it was decided that the most sensible option was to postpone all Home Internationals at this time with a view to rescheduling these events later
in the year. We will post more information regarding the revised dates when they are decided.
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| AJ Bell British National Masters Squash Championships 2020 - Nottingham |
For the full results for this event clic k here.
Please click the relevant links below for the photo galleries for this event.
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