Chris Simpson coaches four of the UK’s top-20 players, left to right, Isabel Maloney (ranked 15), Katherine Jensen (eight), Katie Wilson (four) and Eleanor Lake (two). (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0611237)

LOCAL squash professional Chris Simpson has been challenging the stamina and skills of junior players during a week’s intensive camp.

The GSRA-organised camp enrolled a group of 24 up-and-coming juniors aged between seven and 15, including four nationally ranked U-13 girls (three from the UK), one of whom is local Katherine Jensen, currently ranked eight.  The group spent five days focusing on racket skills, fitness, match play and mental strength, as well as flexibility and fitness assessments.

Simpson shared with the juniors professionalism and goal setting and the importance of keeping a training diary.

Also coaching at the Summer Squash Camp were Welsh director of squash Mike Workman, local players Chris Whitworth and Katie Ozard and the director and assistant director of island squash Peter Bridgeman and Martin Watts.

‘There are some really good kids coming through,’ said Simpson.