1,500 School Children Invade The National Squash Championships
9 February 2012
School children across Manchester have been given their first taste of squash after visiting the National Squash Centre, Eastlands, during the 2012 National Championships.
As part of the legacy programme for the 2012 National Squash Championships Manchester's children have been visiting this week to watch some of England's top players whilst also having a go at squash on the all glass court.
Manchester is home to the nation's largest coaching programme with the aim that all high schools and primary schools within a half mile radius of the centre visit the National Squash Centre at least once a week.
The legacy program also continues to reach out to the community; developing and growing programmes at Moss Side, Chorlton, and Abraham Moss Leisure centres, as well as at the National Squash Centre.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, executive member for culture and leisure said, "It's fantastic to see so many children visiting the national squash centre for the 2012 National Championships. I'm sure the experience will inspire many of them to take up the sport and take advantage of the world-class facilities on their doorstep.
"Manchester is a city that loves sport and hosting events of this caliber really encourages people to become more active."
Manchester's Head Squash coach Chris Lengthorn comments "2011 was a massive year for Manchester squash re-writing programmes, engaging new communities and creating new partnerships. I am really excited about the distance we've travelled and can't wait for the rest of the season.
"This year sets out to be just as exciting with new programmes being established at Abraham Moss, continuing to increase participation in squash and racketball across the city and a target of engaging even more businesses, primary and high schools into our successful programme.
"The developments of new clubs such as moss side clearly shows how squash and racketball is once again booming in the city that loves sport- MANCHESTER!"
The National Squash Championships are currently taking place at the National Squash Centre in Manchester with the finals on Sunday 12 February. England currently has the world number 1 and world number 2 in the men's rankings and world number 2 and 3 in the women's.
Visit www.englandsquashandracketball.com more information about the sport.
