Arthur Gaskin was in his element this past week in Dublin. Coaching squash is nothing new for ex-PSA tour professional and eight-time Irish National champion; the 40-year-old has been mentoring at Brown University in America’s Providence since 2017.
However, heading up the first Junior Performance Academy camp in Dublin was something very close to the former Irish international’s heart. It was last October when he signed on the dotted line as Ireland head coach, the part-time role that has seen him jet over and back from his Rhode Island base.
Assisting our leading senior players is the shop window aspect of his work, sharing his wisdom to get them higher up the PSA rankings and helping them be the best they can be in the colours of Ireland. However, nurturing the next generation of aspiring players was also on his to-do list when he came on board.
That ambitious Squash Ireland plan for the stars of tomorrow launched on June 1st, and its initial fruition was the gathering of 30-plus U13, U15, U17 and U19 players at Fitzwilliam for a four-day camp where Gaskin was enthusiastically assisted by David Noone, the junior performance coach, and junior development coach Michael Conroy.
It was Tuesday, with the afternoon reps ongoing for the U13/15 players at Fitzwilliam and the U17/U19s away on a reccie at the Sport Ireland campus, when Gaskin took a moment to reflect on all the encouraging work that has happened since he agreed to head up the coaching unit.
“The long-term goal of where we want to be as an organisation, that’s easy to see,” he began. “But putting those steps together, there were so many things that we had to do initially to lay a really strong foundation that we can use as a platform to push on from.
“It’s like being part of a start-up company where there is so much happening at the same time, one thing after another, after another. Then all of a sudden, 10 months in, I feel as though we are in a really strong position.
“Our top players are being supported a little bit more, we have been able to secure a little bit more funding and our juniors now, the high-performance academy is a great opportunity for the youngsters to not only have access to resources but hopefully get educated in other elements of the game when it comes to being an athlete, how you manage your body and learning about foods, recovery, fluids and just feeling supported and having a support system. So, it’s very exciting.”
Gaskin felt that head coach was a position he couldn’t refuse. “There were a couple of factors. A few people had reached out and asked if I was interested in the role, and I found it very nice that they thought I would be a good person for it.
“From my own perspective, and maybe thinking specifically about the senior players, having a resource, I would have had a relationship with some of the players already. They would have reached out or they would have visited for training camps, but it’s a little bit better for them in an official capacity.
“It’s good for me anyway. Hopefully, it’s good for everyone and everyone feels great about it, but I just love the idea. Like, I have played for Ireland. Squash in Ireland is very important to me. I just wanted to be able to add value and contribute where I could.”
He certainly had a pep in his step watching him in action on Tuesday, guiding the teenagers through a variety of reps and then during lunch, knocking up with Ireland’s two leading men’s players, Conor Moran and Sam Buckley.
“It’s great. When you are surrounded by young people who are enthusiastic and bring great energy, it’s super fun. I couldn’t be more grateful,” he said before getting into the nuts and bolts of the JPA. “The camp is great, it kicks off the junior high-performance academy.
“It’s the first time the group has been able to get together since we launched it on June 1st. So that part of it is cool, just to get everyone together. And then in terms of timing of the season, with the summer coming to an end and school starting back, it’s a great opportunity for players just to get lots of reps in.
“Once you get into school season, you don’t have those full days. Weekends are generally taken up with events, and during the week, if you can hit an hour to two hours a day, you are doing well. So here the kids are hitting for five hours each day, and it has been pretty awesome.
“It’s different for each (age) bracket. We are working this week with three rotations – the strongest, generally speaking, are the older kids, there are a couple of young kids in there, and the weaker kids then that have maybe just started on the lower end,” he said, going on to explain what he hoped they would go away from Fitzwilliam with after four days of tuition.
“For the lower end, that technically they understand a little bit more what it is they need to do. So, they will have things to do with their grip and the wrist position, body position, and if they know a little bit of that, then they can take that into their home club with their home coach or even just playing with their friends, because the game is already fun.
“But as your technique gets better, it becomes more fun because you can do more with the ball, and the rallies get longer – the satisfaction kids on the lower end get when getting the ball off the back wall, for example. So it’s just being equipped with the tools, knowing what it is they need to do to be able to do that consistently well, to build confidence in that and therefore have more enjoyment.
“I’m excited by it,” he added about the potential he saw across the week. “The 13s and 15s, there are some really good young talented players. Talent is maybe the wrong word, but they are certainly committed and they are putting lots of time into it, so it bodes well. If they continue with that same level of commitment and same love for the sport, they can be really good.”
David Noone has come a long way with his squash. Examine the picture wall at Galway LTC and you will see him frozen in time as a teenager, his framed snap accompanied by a series of achievements that included representing Ireland at various events from U14 to U19 and winning a few age-grade national titles. A local hero who went international.
Those turn-of-the-millennium exploits didn’t go unnoticed last week. Seven of the 10-player Ireland group selected for the World Squash Junior Championships were in town for a pre-Cairo training camp, and they weren’t long in picking out their Squash Ireland junior performance coach.
Their spot of the teenage Noone – and the teasing it generated – added to the sweetness and light atmosphere surrounding the gathering in Salthill. Step in the courts, though, and the ambience was very different. There was business to get done. Serious business with the countdown on for the tournaments in Egypt from July 21 to August 1.
Cairo isn’t Noone’s first rodeo; he has been on the coaching circuit for a while. However, he appreciates the strides taken in recent times by Squash Ireland to better resource up-and-coming talent and help it achieve its full potential.
“I have been doing it for 10 years now,” said Noone, providing some then and now context. “I’ve always loved it – the players have always given it 100 per cent. But it’s much more structured now from a governance perspective; there is a lot more going on in the background.
“Ten years ago, it was still brilliant; there was so much good training. But nowadays, it definitely feels like there is momentum gathering towards being much more professional. Hopefully, it is starting to really develop and we will be able to access better facilities, better people as well.
“Be more professional with the strength and conditioning and some psychology and nutrition and all these different aspects of the game, which are going to be so important to the guys if they do choose a professional career or try to represent Ireland in the future. This has been a very welcome progression with Squash Ireland.”
An example of this professionalisation was the presence in Galway of Borja Golan. The Spaniard was once the World No.5, but coaching is now his thing and his contributions last week were hugely enthusiastic, to say the least.
Noone was thrilled. “This is the final stint of preparation, and it has been brilliant. We have a guest coach over, getting some expertise on the top level from a world-class perspective.
“And we are in Galway as well, which is nice. It’s a training camp outside their home environments, and we have been blessed with some weather as well, so it’s good that we can get outside and do some team building.
“We were doing some swimming and jumping off the tower and things like that, which is quite fun. But in terms of their training, we’re looking good. The guys have been training hard. Since the season finished and the teams were announced, we had like a 10-week training block, and it has been very productive.
“We have been lucky enough to do a few squads, predominantly in Dublin, and we have really been pushing on the idea of a lot of court time and a lot of physical stuff, so they are in really good shape. The matches are going to come thick and fast in Cairo, but they will be well prepared for that and will be able to get through it feeling good and feeling positive. They are ready for the event, which is great.”
Why choose Golan to help out? “One of the reasons is just a bit of flavour, to add in some different viewpoints so that it is not too much on the side of repeating itself. Even though repetition is massively important, it’s nice to bring in someone else’s viewpoint and to gain knowledge.
“It might be the same message, but it is so good if it comes from different people. There is just more knowledge being gained from having someone coming from a background like his. He is an amazing individual who has achieved a World No.5 status, and I like to use that as preparation for the guys to make sure they are a bit extra focused.
“I try to do it once per year, to bring in an expert from somewhere else around the world. I just thought it would be the perfect fit this time around with his background. The guys have gotten to know him a little bit over the last few months as well, so I just thought it would be nice to have a familiar face that would inspire. He is a good, friendly guy as well. It makes a big difference if they are enjoying it.”
Galway done, the whole kit and caboodle for the 10-player Ireland group, consisting of six boys and four girls, has moved on to Africa. The squad flew out on Friday, and it will be quickly down to business as the individual event begins on Monday in Cairo.
It’s a tournament that already feels special before a ball has been struck. “Egypt is the biggest hub of professional squash – it adds to the excitement for them to go over and immerse themselves in that amazing place that is Egypt for squash at the moment,” Noone enthused.
“You get to go to a really cool club, and it’s so exciting. It’s definitely the pinnacle of a junior career, and it’s so important for these players to have this as a carrot to train harder. They are very excited about going to Cairo.
“It [the Championships] is always in an exotic location. We have been to Melbourne, India, Kuala Lumpur, all these amazing places, but this one seems to ring home a little bit more to the guys because of the level of players over there as well.
“It’s really exciting. Egypt has become synonymous with professional squash, so Cairo is definitely going to be the pinnacle of their junior career, with the added spice of it being Egypt and the best players in the world. It’s really good.
“We leave July 18 and are gone until August 2, so it’s quite an extensive trip and we need to prepare for that as well mentally in terms of what food we will be eating and if there is any sort of loneliness for home or anything like that.
“We have to make sure that we are operating as a unit and as a team. It’s one of the most exciting things we have as a squad, that they just immerse themselves in the team atmosphere. Typically, it does tend to be one of the most magical weeks. When you are playing for Ireland, it is brilliant, so looking forward to it.”
Assisting Noone and the team will be Breanne Flynn, who is currently placed 141st in the PSA women’s rankings. “We’re lucky enough that Breanne has joined us on the trip. She is a current professional squash player, and she is also a qualified physiotherapist.
“She is going to be a big addition to the team with her squash expertise, and then hopefully being able to guide our guys through the tournament and keep them injury-free. It will be an added bonus.
“The team is looking really good, really strong. There is a good support going out there as well, which will be really fun. It’s always nice when you get the flag out and you are playing for your country, that there are extra people behind the court. It’s exciting as it is, but then you get the voices going, it can be the most special time with lifetime memories created.”
Squash Ireland plan to run a Level 1 coaching course over two weekends in Dublin, most likely at LCC in Rathmines.
The course is scheduled for June 28/29 and July 12/13, starting each day at 9:30am and finishing at 5pm.
For further enquiries, please contact [email protected]
Squash Ireland is now inviting expressions of interest from grassroots squash coaches to join an exciting Erasmus+ mobility programme in Amsterdam this October.
As part of our Erasmus+ project focused on coach education and inclusion, a group of 8 coaches will travel to Amsterdam from 5th–11th October 2025 to take part in a week-long job-shadowing programme with some of Europe’s leading squash coaches, including Rich King, a very well renowned and respected figure in squash coaching.
This is a fully funded opportunity, designed to upskill Irish coaches, strengthen grassroots development, and build sustainable, inclusive participation programmes.
We want to hear from grassroots squash coaches across Ireland who are passionate about inclusion and development. We welcome coaches of all backgrounds. Participants will represent all four provinces (excluding NI), and a preparatory visit will be arranged for two staff members in the lead-up to ensure everything is in place.
If you’re interested, please complete the short Expression of Interest Form by 20th June.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Please note – as this is European Commission funding, this opportunity is only open to Republic of Ireland coaches
Join Us for the Squash Coaching Conference 2025!
📍 Clayton Hotel, Burlington Rd
📅 May 24th, 9.30am-3pm
Theme: Empowering the Next Generation – Coaching Juniors for Success
Calling all coaches, club leaders, and squash enthusiasts – this is your chance to sharpen your coaching skills, connect with fellow professionals, and be inspired!
What’s in Store?
✅ Inspiring Keynotes – National team coach Arthur Gaskin shares insights on developing young squash talent
✅ Interactive Workshop – Practical strategies with Eddie Murphy and coaching tutors
✅ Panel Discussion – Real-world ideas from top clubs on growing junior participation
✅ Networking & Irish Open Finals Viewing – Learn, connect, and celebrate the game!
Spaces are limited – reserve your spot today!
Squash Ireland has secured equipment through the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme and is now accepting applications from clubs. Please note that quantities are limited.
Includes: Rackets, balls, eye protection, cones, ladders, etc.
The Squash Cannon – The Squash Cannon
InteractiveSQUASH | Interactive Squash Courts for the Digital Age
ASB Squash Courts – ASB ShowGlassCourt
Assessment of Applications
Equipment was awarded through the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme and is therefore only available to clubs within the Republic of Ireland.
A representative from each Provincial Association will be invited to contribute to decisions regarding InteractiveSQUASH wall allocations within their respective provinces.
All equipment will remain the property of Squash Ireland, and clubs agree to comply with the terms and conditions set out in the Sports Capital & Equipment Programme. Clubs must also maintain up-to-date membership and affiliation and be fully compliant with safeguarding requirements.
Make an Application
Click Here
Applications will be assessed on April 14, 2025. Applications will be accepted after this date; however, we cannot guarantee that stock will still be available.
We’re committed to increasing the number of certified coaches to support the development of squash across Ireland. Whether you’re starting your coaching journey or looking to advance your qualifications, now is the perfect time to get involved!
Level 1 Coaching Course (Ulster – Belfast)
– Queen’s University Belfast
– March 22–23 & April 5–6 | ⏰ 9 AM – 5 PM
– Contact: [email protected]
Squash Leaders Course (Derry/Londonderry)
– Brooke Park Leisure Centre
– Saturday, March 8 | ⏰ 9 AM – 5 PM
– Contact: [email protected]
Level 1 Coaching Course (Leinster)
– Location TBD
– April 5–6 & May 10–11 | ⏰ 9:30 AM – 5 PM
– Contact: Eddie Murphy at [email protected]
Level 2 Coaching Course
– Venue TBD
– July 19–20 & August 9–10 (Summer 2025)
– Contact: Eddie Murphy at [email protected]
By increasing the number of trained coaches, we can continue to grow the sport, develop players, and strengthen our squash community. Get involved and take the next step in your coaching journey!
Following the appointment of a Head Coach in November 2024, Squash Ireland is further developing the high performance unit seeking to appoint a Junior Performance Coach and Junior Development Coach to oversee the junior performance programme and develop a pathway for developing world-class talent.
Squash Ireland is the National Governing Body for Squash on the island of Ireland. The organisation has experienced significant growth with the number of affiliated clubs, members, coaches, tournaments, and leagues increasing. A major restructuring has also taken place with the move to a strategically focused board of directors and growth in staffing from two to eight over the past 18 months.
The inclusion of squash in the LA 2028 Olympics has injected new energy and focused attention on developing a world-class high-performance programme to nurture talent and provide players with the necessary support to compete at European, World and Olympic level. Squash Ireland players have reached the pinnacle of the sport and there is a proud history of Irish players competing at the highest levels of the game.
The Junior Performance Coach and the Junior Development Coach positions are initially offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of an extension and expansion of the role.
When applying by email, please include a letter of introduction detailing your skills and experience relevant to the role and your Curriculum Vitae outlining your skills and work experience. Please send these materials no later than the 22nd of January 2025 to Squash Ireland at [email protected].
For more information:
Arthur Gaskin has been appointed as Squash Ireland’s Head Coach. The appointment follows the recent publication of Squash Ireland’s High Performance Strategy, which outlines targets for the LA 2028 Olympic cycle.
Gaskin is an eight-time Irish National Champion and a four-time winner on the PSA World Tour. He competed on the PSA World Tour for 14 years and represented Ireland at multiple European and World Championships, amassing 106 caps. Gaskin was Ireland’s number one player for a 10-year period from 2009 to 2019.
An experienced coach, Gaskin has worked with some of the top junior players in the world, including multiple U.S. national champions, a U.S. Junior Open Champion, and a British Junior Open top-5 finisher. At the senior level, Gaskin coached a top female player who rose from 48th to 20th in the PSA World Rankings over a six-month period.
Gaskin has also served as the Director of Squash at PVD Squash, where he leads a team of coaches focused on growing and developing the junior programme. Additionally, he is the Head Coach at Brown University, where he coached the women’s team to a U.S. National Title in 2023 and the men’s team to back-to-back National Titles in 2023 and 2024.
Gaskin will take up the part-time role of Squash Ireland’s Head Coach on November 1st, leading the High Performance Unit to implement the recently published High Performance Strategy.
Squash Ireland CEO Scott Graham commented: “I am delighted that Arthur has accepted the Head Coach role with Squash Ireland. Arthur has exceptional experience as a player, competing on the PSA World Tour and at European and World Championships, and is a well-respected coach, having guided players into the top 20 in the world and developed talent from a young age. Arthur is clearly very passionate about the game and the high-performance structures within Ireland and will go above and beyond to ensure players have the support they need to reach their full potential.”
Arthur Gaskin commented: “I’m thrilled to accept the role of Head Coach for Squash Ireland and to work alongside Scott, the current coaches, and staff. I’m especially excited to help our top players reach their full potential, as I’m confident they can achieve the highest level with the right guidance and support. I am also looking forward to creating a pathway for our juniors to follow in their footsteps.”
Job Opportunity: Irish Squash Head Coach
Irish Squash is the National Governing Body for Squash on the island of Ireland. The organisation has experienced significant growth over the past year with the appointment of the sport’s first CEO and an increase in staff numbers from two full-time to three full-time and four part-time staff within the past 12 months. The number of affiliated clubs, members, coaches, tournaments, and leagues has all increased significantly.
The inclusion of squash in the LA 2028 Olympics has injected new energy and focused attention on developing a world-class high-performance programme to nurture talent and provide players with the necessary support to compete at European, World and Olympic level. Irish squash players have reached the pinnacle of the sport and there is a proud history of success at the highest levels of the game.
Irish Squash is seeking to appoint a Head Coach to oversee the high-performance programme, deliver upon the High Performance Strategy 2025–2028, and fully realise the potential within the Irish high-performance pathway.
Irish Squash Head Coach Job Description HERE
Applications close on the 21st of August 2024. A copy of the High Performance Strategy 2025–2028 will be provided to interested candidates.
