David Campion - Assistant National Coach
- Performance
- Transitional Programme
- Selection Policy
- Meet The Team
- Player Code of Conduct
- UK Anti-Doping Information
NAME: David Campion
DOB: 12th August 1971
JOB TITLE: High Performance Coach
WHAT DO YOU DO AT ENGLAND SQUASH & RACKETBALL?
I am the lead coach for the transitional programme aimed at those players who have made a full time commitment to the sport. The program is designed to nurture England’s leading talent and help them to make the transition from a good Junior into a top Senior player. Due to the success we have at senior level it is extremely difficult for a top Junior player to walk straight onto the Senior World Class Performance program once they leave the U19 age group. The transitional program helps to bridge that gap so we don’t lose sight of these players and using our expertise and resources we can hopefully shortcut their route to success.
The programme operates in much the same way as the Senior World Class Program. Players are reviewed and monitored throughout the year to ensure that they are on the right track, focusing on developing these young players into well rounded professionals with an understanding of what it takes to become a World Class Squash player.
WHAT’S YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE?
I was a World Junior finalist in 1990 and then went on to play professionally. I enjoyed some early success but struggled with injuries so started coaching to supplement my income at the age of 21. I initially worked at a club in Bradford, Yorkshire for a couple of years and then went to Queens Club in Halifax as head coach developing the Juniors, running National league, Super league, tournaments etc and started working with quite of a few of the Northern based professionals. I became the regional coach for the North East and started assisting on Junior & Senior National Squads before my appointment as a full time High Performance Coach with England Squash in May 2000. I have enjoyed some fantastic moments at European & World Championships and have coached right across the board from some of the best U`11 players through to our current top Senior England Players.
WHAT IS YOUR COACHING PHILOSOPHY?
Coaching is about relationships so you have to build a relationship based on honesty and trust. High level sport highlight’s any flaws in character, you have to bear your soul out there; a well rounded, balanced Individual is far more likely to succeed. I try to instil a love for the game that can last a lifetime. It is the responsibility of the coach to encourage players to make good decisions in all areas of their life, take responsibility for their actions and be Independent. To help them build character, self discipline and excitement for the game. To play the game with integrity, setting high standards for themselves every day and focus on performance not results. If you perform well the results will take care of themselves.
WHAT ASPIRATIONS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE PROGRAMME?
The recent re-structure will have a big impact on our Junior system. I think the Senior end of things is running smoothly, the players have fantastic support which allows them to concentrate on what they do best. The re-introduction of 8 Regional Coaches is a massive step forward and will play a vital role in our future success. It’s something we have been lacking for a long time now. National squads once every 8 weeks alone does not produce players, it’s the day to day work in a good environment that really brings them on. The new system will help create or support these `hotbeds` around the country in a structured way, where the Regional Coaches will be working closely with coaches/clubs within their area In an effort to produce more players.
WHERE DO YOU SEE SQUASH IN 10 YEARS TIME?
It’s a great sport which deserves far more, but unless we find a way to attract the mainstream media then we will probably be where we are now. Whatever people say, squash is not coming across well on TV, unless you are within the game it is difficult to appreciate the speed & pace that the top players play at. The TV or web streaming companies need to invest time and money to see what really works and how much better it could come across. A drastic rule change may be necessary, for example; more critical points to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Pot black (best of 1 frame) was the catalyst for snooker much to the disapproval of the players, but they became household names on the back of that, generating enough interest for the TV companies to back the sport. I believe betting is another route, the interest generated through Bwin and the Bspa Elite series proves that. Apparently one or two of the betting heavyweights have expressed an Interest in squash having seen the volume of betting through Bwin. This would really help to attract Investment and make squash a viable proposition.
WHICH OTHER SPORTS DO YOU PLAY OR ENJOY WATCHING?
Skiing in the winter…Golf in the summer and I’ll watch any major sporting event.
AN INTERESTING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?
I’ve met the Queen, I can stay under water for 3 minutes and I’ve been pursued by a police helicopter…?
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY AWAY FROM SQUASH?
I have interests in property, food & socialising with friends.
PROFESSIONALLY WHO DO YOU REALLY ADMIRE?
There are several players & coaches from within the sport who I have a lot of respect for and Alex Ferguson. I’m not a fan of football but for someone to keep their job for 15 years when everybody else around you gets the sack is pretty remarkable in such a fickle sport. I don’t like how he always whinges about the refs though!
QUICK FIRE:
FAVOURITE EVER FILM? Several spring to mind but one film that I have watched over and over is pulp fiction. It’s Tarantino at his best. His most recent film, Inglorious bastards was very clever.
FAVOURITE MUSIC? Frank Black – Pixies and Kings of Leon.
WHICH 3 PEOPLE WOULD YOU INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY? Ricky Gervais because he cracks me up, John Mcnroe because I find him really Interesting and somebody like Andy McNab to tell me a load of stories about the SAS.
FAVOURITE TAKE-AWAY?
Pizza
WHAT’S YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE?
Sambuca