Three-time World Champion Nick Matthew Spearheads 2016 World Squash Day
Three-time PSA Men’s World Champion Nick Matthew is encouraging every squash club on the planet to open their doors in support of World Squash Day 2016 – which takes place on Saturday October 22nd – and help raise funds for Unicef.
The theme for World Squash Day 2016 is to promote the social side of the sport whilst raising vital funds for Unicef. So we are encouraging all clubs in Ireland to organise an event for the day. There are prizes on offer for the best club activity, in the views of the judges. Send in pictures & a brief report of the day to [email protected]
“The wonderful thing about squash is that it creates lifelong friendships. Two players can be hugely competitive on court during their match and then go for a drink together afterwards. World Squash Day gives us the opportunity to showcase the sport and show the rest of the world what they are missing” says Matthew
Squash is rated one of the healthiest sports in the world. It is also a sport for life, with competitions starting at under-11 level and continuing through all the age groups to Masters events for players aged 80 and above.
“The energy and competitive level is exactly the same at international level as it is at your local squash club,” added Matthew. “Players fight for every point and then go and socialise”
“We need to be good neighbours and invite athletes from other sports to try their hand at squash. I often train with a number of athletes from different sports and they all respect the skills and the fitness, dedication and discipline required to succeed”
“Whatever sports other people may play, you know that squash will give their fitness a boost. Even a tennis legend like Roger Federer credits much of his amazing movement and shot selection to playing squash as a youngster.”
Professional Squash Association (PSA) Chief Executive Alex Gough said: “As Nick says, every professional player first got on court, usually with their parents, at their local squash club. So all the professionals understand what we are trying to achieve in helping clubs to promote the sport.The PSA is committed to growing squash at every level and World Squash Day is the ideal vehicle to enable clubs to open their doors, invite people in and increase participation all over the planet.”
HOW TO GET INVOLVED:
Clubs can arrange an Open Day with lots of fun activities for members and guests all day long. Start off with free introductory coaching sessions for players of all ages and standards.
HOW TO BE A GOOD NEIGHBOUR: WHO TO INVITE
– Players from other sports clubs
– School groups (try to get the teachers involved and show them how beneficial squash can be to add to the curriculum activities)
– Invite business groups and explain how a happy and healthy work force is more creative and productive
MONSTER FRIENDLY MATCHES:
Who can organise the biggest social match on World Squash Day?
Challenge a local club to a friendly match and, whether it’s five-a-side or fifty a side, make sure you register the event on our World Squash Day 2016 Facebook page and the share the news on Twitter.
After the event, make sure you send your pictures & brief story of the day to [email protected]
SUPPORTING UNICEF:
This is our second year of World Squash Day supporting the work of Unicef. With conflict in many parts of the world leading to mass migration, and natural disasters such as the recent earthquakes in Italy, their work supporting the children caught up in these situations is more important than ever.
WORLD SQUASH DAY T-SHIRTS:
Official World Squash Day T-shirts can be ordered from iProSports. All of the profits will be donated to Unicef. Simply click on this link:http://www.iprosports.co.uk/…/world-squash-day-2016-charit…/
INVOLVE YOUR JUNIORS:
Please involve your junior players in creating and planning events to raise money for Unicef.
Encourage the juniors to be involved in helping other young people who are not as fortunate as themselves.
HOW TO DONATE TO UNICEF
Simply go to the World Squash Day JustGiving Page:www.justgiving.com/fundraising/WorldSquashDay
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/WorldSquashDay/
Twitter: @WorldSquashDay
