British champion Tesni Evans is heading up a female squash initiative in Wales.
The World number nine, who is based in the Rhyl area, is leading a Squash Wales bid to increase the number of women and girls playing the sport.
A number of women’a sessions now run throughout Wales, with sessions available for all standards.
“Women and girls squash activity is on the increase across the whole of Wales,” says Mike Workman, director of coaching and development for Welsh squash and racketball.
“The amazing success of Tesni has been massive, while we are thankful to have received grant funding from Sport Wales.
“A combination of the #squash4girls project and Tesni has helped to inspire and encourage more women and girls to get involved in Squash across Wales.
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“The project has been a great success so far and it’s fantastic to see so many women and girls playing.”
A big part of the grant has helped fund coach education courses, with 21 women becoming qualified level one coaches, five achieving level two and 25 women become Squash Leaders.
“By the end of the grant project it is hoped the numbers will have increased further.”
The project has covered all aspects of squash including referee education. Ten ladies have attended a referees course and are now regularly refereeing matches within their clubs.
Ladies from Sport Wales National Centre and St Mellons gathered for a fun and active day of squash. There were 20 players who enjoyed a day of squash and socialised with a curry afterwards.
For the more experienced women and girls, squad sessions have run in both South East Wales and West Wales with coach Sian Johnson.
These sessions have provided opportunities for women and girls to come training and experience matches against female opponents that they wouldn’t always get the opportunity to play.
In North Wales a ladies session has been organised for Friday, June 21 by Lauren Evans and it is hoped Tesni Evans will visit the session in Bangor (6pm-8pm).
There are plans Tesni to host a #squash4girls roadshow and play a number of exhibition matches.
Dates are still to be confirmed, but the roadshow events will be a great opportunity for women and girls to meet, go on court with and watch Tesni in action.
For more information on the #Squash4girls project please contact: sarah.clode@squash.wales