Twenty-five junior players from squash clubs across Ireland last week travelled to Birmingham for the Rory Gillen-sponsored field trip to the British Open.
For many of the Squash Ireland junior performance academy players, it was their first opportunity to experience one of the sport’s most prestigious events in person. Across two days, they were immersed in the very highest levels of professional squash.
The group watched four quarter-finals featuring some of the world’s best players and enjoyed the opportunity to meet quarter-final winners – the recent World Championship winners Mostafa Asal and Amina Orfi, as well as Diego Elías – following their matches. Seeing elite athletes compete at the highest level and then taking time to engage with young fans left a lasting impression.
The experience continued the following day at the world-renowned Rob Owen Academy at West Warwickshire Sports Club, where the group participated in an intensive coaching masterclass led by Owen alongside Jonah Bryant, the men’s PSA No.10, and other leading coaches. The session offered valuable insight into the standards, habits and mindset required to succeed in the modern game.
The Squash Ireland group then returned to The Rep – the British Open’s Birmingham city venue – for a personal audience with Hania El Hammamy, the women’s PSA No.1. The players were allowed to ask questions about her journey in squash, training routines, nutrition, preparation and life as a professional athlete.
El Hammamy shared her experiences, signed shirts and squash balls, and posed for photographs with the group. For the girls in attendance, especially, meeting the world’s leading female player was a powerful reminder that there are no limits to what can be achieved through dedication, hard work and belief. Visibility matters, and opportunities like this help young players see themselves reflected in the future of the sport.
Coaches Paul Conroy, Andrew Gillespie and team manager Róisín O’Shea were delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the group throughout the trip and by the accessibility of the professional players, who made time to connect with the next generation of Irish talent.
The visit also showcased the incredible potential of squash in non-traditional settings, with the glass show court installed inside The Rep Theatre providing a spectacular stage for world-class competition.
Most importantly, the group returned home with smiles on their faces, new friendships, fresh motivation and memories that will stay with them for years to come.
Dave Broderick, the Squash Ireland national development manager, said: “Squash Ireland would like to extend its sincere thanks to Rory Gillen for his generous support in making this unique opportunity possible and helping connect Ireland’s young players with the very best in the world game.”
