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Back in the 1980's most people knew what squash was, even though some had never played themselves. Ask an average class of 30 primary schoolchildren today what squash is and, frighteningly, only 1 or 2 will be able to describe it, let alone play it!
This is being redressed in the London and Surrey area with recently-appointed part-time Community Squash Coach, Jo Robinson, delivering the Mini Squash Programme to between 1,500-2,000 primary and secondary schoolchildren since September 2006.
Children aged between 6-15 years old from 19 schools in Thornton Heath, South Norwood, Croydon, Wallington, Carshalton and Guildford areas have enjoyed their first taste of squash in their School Halls or playgrounds with fun, progressive 5-6 week whole-class curriculum, 'taster' or After-School Club sessions, linked to the National Curriculum syllabus.
Using activities and special equipment from the Unsquashable Mini Squash Programme (FUNdation, Improver and Pro levels), different-sized racquets and soft balls are used to suit every age and ability and a Mini Squash rebound Wall helps to overcome the 'wall space' problem.
Coaching up to thirty children in each class session can sometimes be quite challenging but immensely rewarding. The children are not only learning about basic squash/hand-eye/physical co-ordination skills, but also important life skills such as working together in pairs, small groups, teamwork, co-operation, self-esteem, self-discipline, healthy lifestyles and, most important of all, that exercise of any kind can be fun!
At the end of each 'block' of sessions, the children are given information about local squash clubs/courses and 10 children from each school are invited to take part in an Inter-Schools Mini Squash Festival in the local squash club to give them an exciting experience of Team Squash challenges in a Club environment.
As part of her new role, Jo has also delivered group squash coaching at Trinity School, Croydon, to 150 specially-selected 10-11 year old 'gifted and talented' children as part of the Schools Sports Partnerships 'Rising Stars' Programme – future champions in the making.
Jo is one of 3,000 full and part-time multi-sports Community Sports Coaches nationally, delivering high-quality coaching and 'Team Teach' knowledge in schools and club settings, across all sections of the community.
Amongst other things, the aims of these CSC coaches are to enhance the take-up of sporting opportunities for schoolchildren for 2012 and beyond and to develop improved School/Club links as part of the Government's Physical Education School Sport Club Links (PESSCL) strategy.
Jo's CSC position is administered by the Surrey H & R C Partnership in conjunction with funding/resources from various partners - Surrey Squash & Racketball Association, London Sports Development Unit, Active Surrey and England Squash. The post also involves working closely with various School Sports Partnerships and Schools Competition Managers, as well as mentoring and supervising young Mini Squash Leader volunteers and assistant coaches.
Sincere thanks to the following members of the Surrey H & R C Partnership for their vision and commitment in establishing this CSC role - Pete Smith (Head Coach, Surrey Health & Racquets Club, Croydon), Rae Anderson (School Sports Co-ordinator, Croydon Sports Partnership), Nick Metcalf (former England Squash Area Squash Manager South East) and latterly his successor, Justyn Price.
Squash session feedback and demand from children and teachers in the schools has been extremely positive and it is now up to the Clubs themselves to take advantage of the resurgence and increased interest in squash generally by actively promoting their junior squash courses, team challenge events and holiday sports activities/schemes to those important people who ultimately influence how their children spend their free time – the parents and carers...
JR
15/7/07
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