Growing squash among the youth

Determined to make a change in Grahamstown squash, Ian Knott-Craig, organiser of this week’s exhibition of squash and Kingswood College squash coach, is developing and transforming squash in the local community.

Knott-Craig runs a squash development programme for the youth from the township schools. The programme is aimed at developing squash as a code of sport that is recognised in the township as well as growing the sport as a whole. He hopes squash is one form of keeping the youth active and occupied, away from the social ills they face on a daily basis.

Together with Rhodes University staff members, Roger Bulls and Brendan Welhelmi as well as community volunteers, the young players are coached on a regular basis. Knott-Craig said the development players have come a long way. Many of them started having never hit a squash ball, to now being members of a team currently playing in the Makana league.

Taking part in this week’s event, from Mary Waters High School, were Simon Valentine (15), Eston Andrews (15), Sachin Smith (12), Siphosi- hle Mancam (18) and Samuel Valentine (17). Squash has become an escape for most of them: "I love squash because out there they are other kids doing drugs, Squash keeps me away from it and keeps me fit", said Samuel.

The group competes in the Makana league as well as against other schools in Grahamstown. The players train every Tuesday and Saturday. The development team has been going over a year and half, and most of the players have been there since the beginning. South African Squash Association is spearheading the funding. Funds allow for the players to have meals before the sessions and enables them to buy some equipment. The vision is to reach out to the whole community, involving everyone in this initiative and growing the sport as a whole, especially in the township areas.

Knott-Craig thanked Squash SA who made a sizeable monetary donation for the development of squash at the grass roots during an evening function at the Wyvern, at the end of the squash event.

Photo: Simone Ferriera Ian Knott-Craig, left, organiser of the exhibition of squash, seen with some of the development team players (L-R) Simon Valentine, Siphosihle Mancam, Sachin Smith, Samuel Valentine and Eston Andrews.