Scottish World Junior Squash Championships entry

Hi, could we please ask you to take a few minutes to read the below :

First of all a short update on progress,

Thank you to all who have donated so far. Your contribution makes a difference.

With flight costs going up, we have had to increase our target to £36000 in total across all fundraising events.

The good news is that with combined fundraising events across Scotland at

• Bridge of Allan Sports Club

• Edinburg Sports Club

• The Grange Edinburgh

• Scotstoun Sports Centre

• GoFundMe Donations

And sponsorship from

• www.Sportsshoes.com

• Regional Squash Organisations

We are thrilled to be able to share that we are at ~ 70% v revised target of £36000

We need your continued support to take us over the line.

Again thank you and appreciate it if you can help us spread the word and share.

THE TEAM :

We are the parents of five girls who wish to represent Scotland in the forthcoming World Junior Teams and Individual Championships in Australia (alongside boys who wish to compete in the boys’ individual event). The bulk of the squad came 4th in last year’s European Championships and we all want to build on that.

Here’s what the girls themselves have to say:

“I am a Crieff High School student who has been representing Scotland in squash since I was 11 years. I am currently ranked 6th Girl Under 19 in the European Squash Rankings. This season I have played in many Scottish, UK and European tournaments (self-funded) with the highlights being winning the Irish Junior Open, placing 3rd at the Scottish Junior Open and 6th at the British Championships (all GU19).

Playing for Scotland at the World Junior Championships in Australia in July 2023 would be an honour and an amazing learning experience but costly. Any contribution to support me and my teammates to get there would turn our aspirations into reality and hopefully encourage young girls to take up this great sport.

Many thanks!”

Ranked top 30 ( GU19) in Europe

“I wasn’t born when Scotland last sent a Team to the Worlds before and I feel the team we have now is the strongest girls' team in many years. Now is the time to make the most of it and give us all a chance to grow stronger and get a chance to compete against the best.”

“I have been playing squash since the age of 3 and played in places as far apart as Pontefract, Poland and Pennsylvania, but all that would be surpassed if I could represent Scotland in Australia in the World Junior Team Championships. However, as with most women’s sports, there is not much money to support it, that’s why I am asking you to make a contribution, no matter how small, to help my teammates and I realise our dream to get to Australia in July 2023. As they say up here “Many a mickle, makes a muckle!” (Translation: Lots of littles make a lot.) Thank You!”

“This is one of Scotland’s strongest girls' teams for many years, and we all have big aspirations and goals that we want to achieve.

Mine is that I want to become a professional squash player and become top 10 in the world. However, for me to achieve that I have to gain more experience and understanding of what it takes to get to that top level. Playing in the world champs would allow me to gain so many learning experiences that would help me to become a better player and I am sure this will apply to everyone on the team.

However, making this happen is costly which is why we are fundraising to make it happen. We really do appreciate any help you can provide.”

“The opportunity to represent Scotland on the world stage in Australia doesn’t come around often. In fact, this is the first time in 18 years that Scotland is aiming to send out a women’s team to compete at the Junior World Championships. We are a strong, committed squad of players, with high aspirations to perform well on the world stage and seek out great experiences playing the best of the best.

On a personal level, I’ve been fortunate to be selected to represent Scotland at European Squash tournaments on several occasions over the past 5 years which has been an incredible learning experience, both personally and professionally, and has massively improved my game technique and mental resilience. As a Scottish Squash Youth Ambassador representing Scotland on the world stage would provide an unrivalled opportunity to showcase and further develop girls'/ladies' squash in Scotland, and will hopefully inspire many more to take part in this great sport. As the funding for women in sports, particularly squash, is very limited, we are reaching out for financial support, no matter how small, to help us achieve our goal.

Thank you so much for your support”

As you can see they are enthusiastic and their individual results show they have talent. However, whilst Scottish Squash is supportive, they don’t have the financial wherewithal to fund this so we are hoping that this campaign, along with other avenues, can help us raise the substantial sum we require to fund the entry and trip.

We all appreciate how difficult things are at the moment with the cost-of-living crisis, but any contributions are gratefully received. If you are involved in a company or are interested in Corporate Sponsorship please do contact Scottish Squash who can put you in direct contact with us.

Thanks again for reading this

Paul, Steph, Julie, Scott and Hans.