Scholarship’s a grade boost for young Max
SQUASH
SQUASH prospect Max Forster has landed a dream sports scholarship in the United States after successfully making the grade, writes TONY HODGSON.
The 18-year-old from Gosforth will spend four years at Yale University from September, mixing his academic studies with squash competition.
Forster, the reigning Northumberland men’s closed champion, achieved the qualifications necessary to take up Yale’s offer.
However, due to the uncertainties caused by the coronavirus andemic, the youngster is not yet sure what form his scholarship will take.
He said: “I was originally due to take my A-levels this summer to try and achieve the grades I needed.
“Those were scrapped but my work was assessed and I managed to achieve good enough grades to take up Yale’s offer.
“America is not allowing foreigners into the country at present due to coronavirus so things are a litle bit in limbo.
“September is some time off still but it may be I will have to delay for year or perhaps do my studies online.
“Hopefuly, it will all become a bit clearer soon.”
On going to Yale, Forster added: “I went over to America and had a look at a number of universities.
“Yale just seemed to be the most welcoming and the most appealing to me and I quickly decided that was where I wanted to go.
“The squash set-up is very professional over there and I can only benefit from coming up against really good players and working with top coaches.
“As well as playing squash I will continue my academic studies in a range of subjects for the first three years before specialising in the fourth - I think I will do economics.
“It is a great opportunity for me and a fantastic experience which can only help me in my eventual aim of turning professional.”
In the meantime, Forster has been keeping fit at home during the lockdown with his target event this summer - the World Junior Championships in Australia - already called off.
Securing his scholarship adds to a memorable 18 months for Forster in which he twice represented his country.
The youngster flew the flag for England at the European Under-19 Championships in the Czech Republic and the World Junior Championships in Malaysia.
A member of the Jesmond-based Northumberland Club, Forster followed up his sixth place in Prague by reaching the third round in Kuala Lumpur.
He also triumphed at the English Under-19 Championships and earlier this year claimed the Northumberland men’s closed title for a third successive year.