Humphrey Perkins was once again host to the fourth Mini Squash Festival in the region. Fifty four children from ten schools attended the festival – organised by Linda Taylor – a Level 2 coach in Loughborough and at Leicester Squash Club. All the children had a great time, having a go at various Squash related challenges. The winners were Ratcliffe College for the second year running, although this year their lead was reduced over the second place school. So the trophy returned to Ratcliffe once more
Ratcliffe hosted their own event on Wednesday 28th March, inviting along ESR Mascot Benson who entertained the children admirably prior to the festival and making a special appearance at the end to present the winning school “Fosse Primary” with their well earned trophy. Fosse Primary along with second place school Stoneygate and hosts Ratcliffe College were offered the opportunity to attend the Allam British Open, the offer promises to be a fun packed time at a landmark London venue.
In association with the school squash festivals, Benson was invited by Wymeswold C of E Primary School to take part in his own Sport Relief Mile. The event was once again organised by local Squash Coach Linda Taylor who teaches PE at the Primary School. The school also invited the local playgroup to take part along with the parents of the pupils.
Benson at this point, unfortunately had to move on to pastures new, but thankfully ESR mascots Seb & Steph were available to step up to the mark for an event over in Lincolnshire. On the 27th March 2012 Alford squash club held their inaugural Primary School’s Squash Competition. Three primary schools from the villages of Withern, Willoughby & Hogsthorpe all local to Alford Squash Club, took part in the squash festival.
The day started off with coaching sessions on court for the youngsters given by Martin Wells & John Morris. Following on from this and bearing in mind that for some of the youngsters this had been their first taste of playing squash on a court the youngsters practised their new found skills representing their schools in a mini competition. At the conclusion of the day the scores were added up and our overall winner was Willoughby Primary School.
Much fun was had by all and because of the generosity of Alford Squash Club, via the Chairman Bob Karley who has kindly provided a shield aptly named “The Chairman’s Shield” the competition will now become an annual event where local schools will be invited to compete for the shield.